INNISFAIL – This year's edition of the annual Innisfail and District Trade Show is all sold out.
The annual springtime event, which has been a regular spring attraction for more than 30 years, is taking place at the Innisfail Arena on April 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. and April 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The two-day event will include more than 100 booths and dozens of vendors this year.
“It’s going to be a great trade show. There’s some new vendors, some returning vendors, so it’ll be a good mix again this year,” said Carla Gabert, manager of the Innisfail and District Chamber of Commerce.
“We have new businesses in the west arena and we increased the size of auto row.
“There will be a kids’ area this year too. We are going to have a bouncy house and crafts, but we’re also going to have some special events coming on at certain hours,” she added.
Friday evening will kick off the trade show with a community barbecue by platinum sponsor Fortis Alberta from 5 to 7 p.m. or while supplies last. There will also be a community breakfast Saturday morning, from 9 to 11 a.m. sponsored by silver sponsors Servus Credit Union and W.A Grain & Pulse Solutions.
The annual trade show offers area residents an opportunity to learn about the products and services offered in Innisfail and area, said Gabert, noting a few new additions and several returning features, including Alberta RV Country showcasing tiny homes, preregistered crafts (to decorate) and regular craft sessions, chainsaw carver demonstrations, a children's area with crafts, hazard hamlet, bounce house and story time, sponsored by gold sponsor EQUS REA LTD.
Silver Sponsor Tim Hortons is sponsoring the vendor lounge, while bronze sponsors Innisfail Eye Care and Innisfail Electric are also contributing to the event.
“There’s a wide variety of booths this year. Everything from our not-for-profits, to services to some of our downtown businesses will be at the trade show,” she said.
In addition, another popular feature is making a return this year. A Taste of Innisfail will include a revised menu on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“The Taste of Innisfail is back. We’re looking forward to presenting it again,” said Gabert, noting the inaugural event last year included four restaurants. “We’re still working on some details but it should be similar to last year.”
Gabert said last year’s show was well attended and they hope to see a great turnout again for the annual trade show.
“There’ll be something for everybody to see and do,” Gabert concluded.
