INNISFAIL - It was a great weekend to take in the annual Innisfail and District Spring Trade Expo.
The two-day event took place at the Innisfail Arena on April 21 and 22.
"Attendance this weekend has been great," said Carla Gabert, manager of the Innisfail and District Chamber of Commerce. "We had a full house on Friday Night. We had a community barbecue sponsored by Fortis Alberta as well, the Taste of Innisfail debuted Friday night and it was a huge success.
"It's been very popular with the people attending the trade expo," she said. "There are definite plans next year to be a bigger event and to include the Taste of Innisfail again."
About 90 vendors and over 100 booths participated in the trade expo noted Gabert.
"We have a larger variety of vendors this year than we traditionally have. There's really something here for everyone," she added.
The spring trade expo featured some new vendors and businesses, making their first appearance in the event and also welcomed many returning participants.
"We're really excited to be doing this. The response has been really positive and supportive," said Regan Long, education officer with Bikers Against Bullying.
Long lives in Innisfail but operates the organization in Olds. The organization runs the www.stopbully.com program in area schools across Central Alberta.
"We teach kids about what bullying is as well as what it isn't," he said.
The Jungle Farm, located just outside of Innisfail, is gearing up for another season.
"We've been here at the trade expo for many years," said Blaine Staples. "It's always a really good show and it gives us a chance to touch base with the people we know and to meet the new people in the community," he added.
"I think with the Taste of Innisfail going on the crowds have been really good this year."
Taste of Innisfail was a new feature at the spring trade expo this year. It saw several local restaurants take part, including True Bliss Cheescakes, Fireside Your Family Restaurant, D&R Drive-In and Divots restaurant.
"I think it's been a wonderful experience," said Denise Montgomery, co-owner with her husband Chris, of D&R Drive-In. "It was nice that people could walk around the trade expo, then come over and get something to eat and go back to the expo."
Montgomery said Taste of Innisfail was a great opportunity for local restaurants to showcase their business and some of their foods with residents and visitors to the annual spring trade expo.
Carla Gabert, manager Innisfail and District Chamber of Commerce
"There are definite plans next year to be a bigger event and to include the Taste of Innisfail again."
