Trade show taking shape Spots still open for exhibitors

While it’s still a month away, time has been flying by for the organizers of the Chamber of Commerce’s annual home and leisure show.
“‘Spring carnival’ is the theme, and we’re planning on utilizing that the best we can,” said Chamber co-ordinator Dawn Booth. “We’ve got lots and lots of activities lined up.”
While the lineup likely will increase in the next few weeks, noted Booth, so far the May 7-8 event will include a petting zoo, pony rides, inflatable “bouncers,” Crime Stoppers’ “Bail or Jail,” and other games, product demonstrations, and contests.
“Not to mention 50-something businesses,” Booth added.
Booth said much of the space at the Memorial Sports Centre will be used for the home and leisure show, with the Ice for Kids Arena housing most of the exhibitors, the lobby being used for art and crafts, the auditorium for Crime Stoppers’ “Bail or Jail,” and part of the parking lot for a petting zoo.
She added the Chamber is trying to “reach all ages” at this year’s trade show and give people more reasons to spend time there.
The trade show floor will be divided into sections for kids, seniors, and women and men.
“For the seniors section, we’ll have presentation on topics they’ll be interested in. And the Legion Ladies Auxiliary will be hosting a tea on the Saturday,” said Booth.
Taking a page from last year’s trade show, which featured an antiques appraiser, next month’s home show will feature design consultations, where people can make an appointment and meet with an interior designer who will give them advice on renovating their homes.
Booth noted this feature not only ties in with the idea of a “home show,” but people currently are showing a greater interest in decorating, as evident in the popularity of TV shows such as “Trading Spaces.”
There will be small fee charged for these consultations. More information will be revealed closer to the date of the trade show.
Booth also said the Chamber is trying to line up a “hole in one” putting contest, with big prizes, such as boats or cars, up for grabs for the skillful putter.
Any more details on this also will be revealed in the near future.
Booth noted the Chamber still could use a little more of what lies at the heart of the event—exhibitors.
“I would say right now we’re about half-full, and we’re getting more people every day,” she remarked.
“We still have space available. And people should remember that while it’s called a ‘home show,’ there’s really no limit to any kind of business that can be part of it,” said Booth.
Admission to the trade show will be free.
To find out more about the trade show, or to be an exhibitor, call Booth at 274-5773 or drop by the Chamber office at 474 Scott St. (across from Safeway).