Trade show shaping up to be different

While the official theme for the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce’s home and leisure show coming up in May is “Celebrating 100 Years of Community and Lifestyle,” another one may be “change” since it is shaping up to be quite a bit different than in previous years.
“I think the major change is the move to have it in the spring as opposed to September,” Chamber co-ordinator Dawn Booth said last week.
“It’s a positive move, and I think that will be reflected in the public’s response,” she remarked, noting the date (May 9-10) also will attract some different exhibitors than usual to the show, which will be held at the Memorial Sports Centre.
Something else all new for the trade show is a professional appraiser from Winnipeg, who will come here to look at—and value—antiques and collectibles.
“We pretty much got the idea form the ‘Antiques Roadshow,’” noted Booth, referring to the popular television show seen on CBC and PBS.
“As this is the first time something like this has been held in the area, I think it will go over well,” she added. “Other communities hold antique fairs annually with great response.
“It fits in well with our theme.”
And with the centennial theme, Booth said the trade show should prove to be as diverse and colourful as the town’s past 100 years.
“In following the centennial theme, we are encouraging all exhibitors to use the theme as best they can,” she noted. “We want them to dress in costume, display old and new products, present the history of their business, offer historical promotions, or whatever they can come up with.
“There are endless possibilities—I think it’ll be great to see what everyone does.”
Other ideas the trade show committee is working on include a car show, petting zoo, children’s activities, pony and hay rides, a fashion show, entertainment, and an exhibitor spotlight segment.
Booth said the Chamber is hopeful the trade show will be more successful—for the public and exhibitors alike—than ever.
“As ours is the show in Fort Frances, we are expecting to sell out early again this year,” she remarked.
Information packages are being sent out to area businesses and previous exhibitors right now. For more information or to book your space, call Booth at 274-5773 (or toll-free 1-800-820-3678).