The Lacombe arena complex will play host to one of the biggest trade shows yet on April 10th and 11th.
Hosted by the Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce, the show has a lot to offer visitors said Executive Director Monica Bartman. “It’s getting bigger and bigger each year,” she said.
This year for the main trade show portion, the Chamber has registered 152 booths which is already up from last year’s 126.
Only 11 spots for booths remain, so businesses and local organizations are encouraged to sign up soon. The trade show will feature vendors from not only Lacombe, but from Red Deer, the surrounding area and around the province.
Attendees will have the opportunity to browse booths from a large variety of vendors, from car and RV dealerships to home renovation specialists and repair services.
“There are quite a few booths that are companies that do home renovations or interior design, or if you are looking for a new couch for your living room, this will be the place to go,” said Bartman.
Booths feature not only businesses, but also local service groups like the local Rotary Club or Big Brothers Big Sisters group, who may want to showcase what their organization has to offer to the community.
“There is also quite a variety of not-for-profit booths,” said Bartman. “It’s not just about shopping. You can also learn about the resources that are in our community.”
Last year, the trade show ran throughout the two arenas, but this year it’s expanded into a new space, including the curling rink, which will play home to the marketplace. The marketplace portion of the show will host home-based businesses similar to a farmer’s market with many vendors that offer cash and carry products.
“In total we will have 30 booths but we might have room for 40 give or take,” she said.
Also in the marketplace, there will be a stage for entertainment, which will feature a fashion show, gardening seminars, dance performances and live music throughout the two days. For the kids, Kyle Key, a Lacombe-based magician, will be returning for a few magical shows and to make balloon animals. There will also be a bouncy house to keep the kids occupied while parents shop and browse the booths and marketplace.
“We want to offer some more options to keep people there a little bit longer,”
said Bartman. The Lacombe Composite High School grad class will be fundraising for dry grad and will be serving up some type of delicious treat in the marketplace as well.
The trade show runs April 10th from 2 to 8 p.m. and April 11th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $1 per person. All proceeds from the admission fee go towards the Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce annual scholarship.
For more information or to book a booth, contact Carmen at 403-352-6695 or email carmen@lacombechamber.ca.
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