INNISFAIL – Visitors and vendors once again packed the Arena for the Innisfail Trade Show.
The annual event took place April 5 and 6 and featured about 120 booths showcasing local businesses, farms, community groups and organizations.
In addition, auto row, a children’s play area, and A Taste of Innisfail also drew in the crowds.
“The parking lot is full. There's been a steady stream of people," said Lorraine Jackson, co-president of the Innisfail and District Chamber of Commerce. "I think we'll probably hit 500 (people) today (Saturday).
“We've got small and large businesses and there's a good mixture of new and returning vendors,” she added.
One of those new exhibitors participating in the trade show for the first time this year was the Innisfail Fish and Game Association.
"We (want to) let people know we're here in the community and active in the community," said Mark Cochrane. "Hopefully we get more people involved."
Cochrane noted some of the projects they’ve been working on including the fishing line recycling program, duck nesting tunnels and their involvement with youth in the community.
"There's been lots of interest, lots of people and we're gaining a few members," he added. "It's great to see so many people from the community all in one place."
Jackson said the trade show is a great place to network and learn what Innisfail has to offer in terms of products, services and businesses. She noted visitors came from all over Central Alberta.
"I think people hear about it and they want to come and be a part of it," said Jackson.
One of those visitors was Angela Miller and her family from Innisfail, who have been coming to the trade show for several years.
"We're just checking out everything that's here. We come to spend the day and have fun," said Miller, noting the children’s play area was a popular attraction for her family.
"I just like coming and checking out all the businesses that are here. It's nice that they have something like this," Miller concluded.
