The Chamber of Commerce’s 14th-annual trade show is coming up here Sept. 21-22 and with a myriad of sights and sounds, attracting a crowd shouldn’t be a problem.
But the Chamber still is looking for more exhibitors for this year’s Christmas-themed event, organizer Dawn Booth said. “There’s still booth space available,” she noted.
“One of the things about the trade show is exposure,” Booth remarked. “It can boost your sales and give you an edge on the competition.
“We’re really excited about this year’s show and it’s going to be a great improvement over last year. We’ve got lots of different things lined up this year,” she enthused.
Many activities will be held upstairs at the Memorial Sports Centre, starting with a free barbecue on the Friday from noon-1:30 p.m.
Also Friday, local “Quest for the Best” winners will show off their singing talents. The time has not confirmed yet but it likely will be held during the early evening, said Booth.
Meanwhile, “Carol’s Canteen” will be open all weekend, and free popcorn will be handed out both days. Beer gardens will be open from 4-9 p.m. on the Friday and noon-5 p.m. on Saturday.
A jam session is slated at the beer gardens Saturday afternoon, featuring a few booked bands as well as an “open mike” for any local musicians to take the stage and show the crowd what they’ve got.
Geared to be family event, there will be plenty for youngsters to do at the kids’ corner, with face-painting, colouring, make-and-take crafts, and A Buck or Two’s “fishing pond.”
Santa Claus will make appearances throughout the two days, handing out candy canes.
But exhibitors are the heart of the trade show and part of this year’s event is a “Crafter’s Corner” with local arts and crafts. Exhibitors can purchase a table to display and sell their homemade work.
Space is still available for this feature of the show. Those interested can contact Booth.
“We’re encouraging exhibitors to retail out of their booths and provide something for people to do, which is more fun for the exhibitor and the people,” remarked Booth.
For instance, Clinic Pharmasave will offer a diabetes clinic Friday and a cholesterol clinic on Saturday. Dispill (blister packing) demonstrations will be held both days.
Entries in Pharmasave’s annual photo contest also will be on display so anyone interested in showing off their photographic skills can start taking those pics.
Entries are to be 8”X10,” unmounted, and are to be dropped off at the store before the trade show.
Categories this year include black and white, funny photos, furry friends (pets or wildlife), sunsets and sunrises, cute kids, sports shots, and Christmas memories.
See in-store for more details.
Meanwhile, NCDS Career Works will offer tips on résumé writing and job searching, and human resources advice for employers, along with free draws. And Right Step Orthotics will have demonstrations on the making of custom-fitted orthotics.
In-Focus Photography once again will be collecting for its “Mitts for Kids–Helping Hands” campaign. A “mitt tree and wool bin” will be on hand at the trade show to help ensure local kids make it through the upcoming winter safe and warm.
Visitors also can give the local Salvation Army food bin a headstart for the holiday season with donations of non-perishable items.
Businesses and individuals can pick up information packages at the Chamber office at 474 Scott St. (across from Canada Safeway), or by calling Booth at 274-5773.
Not-for-profit organizations, clubs, and groups can register at discounted booth prices.
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