Atikokan trade show planned

Atikokan’s reputation as an outdoor destination usually is synonymous with canoeing, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, ATVs, etc.
After all, the community is located on the northern perimeter of Quetico Park and the White Otter Wilderness Area.
With such proximity, it’s easy to see why Atikokan has earned its status as the “Canoeing Capital of Canada.” The combination of each of these features makes Atikokan an outdoors enthusiast’s paradise.
As such, the Lions-Chamber of Commerce trade show is getting a new name, date, and focus this year. The “Let’s Go Outdoors Show” will take place April 25-26, with the theme being “Atikokan-Quetico Escape to Your Adventure.”
“We think it’s pretty exciting, and that the town will embrace it. And it certainly doesn’t rule out the regular [participants],” said Nicole Halasz, who is co-ordinating the re-development of the trade show as part of her work with the Chamber and AEDC.
The Lions and Chamber agreed the show needed to be revamped—and that a new theme needed to be adopted to make it attractive across the northwest.
They had been considering holding a fall trade show geared to outdoor sports but, given the low volunteer numbers both groups face, it seemed more reasonable to make a bigger effort at reinvigorating the spring show.
As well, the decision by the Thunder Bay trade show to move from late April to early May (last year the Atikokan and Thunder Bay shows were on the same weekend) just added impetus to the call for change.
The only other shows marketed for outdoor enthusiasts are in Thunder Bay in February and Duluth, Mn.
Halasz said while outdoor sports are going to be central to the show (she hopes to include clinics and other activities as part of the event, such as a pro bass fishing clinic, an archery clinic, rock climbing, maybe even a dog show), it won’t be limited to that.
“It’s anything outdoors,” she stressed. “If you like heading out onto the patio for a barbecue, then the show will be for you, too.”
Halasz aims to recruit retailers marketing to anglers, boaters, bicyclists, canoeists, outdoor adventurers, golfers, ATV’ers, and more.
If you are interested in more information about this show, visit www.letsgooutdoors.ca