INNISFAIL - The Innisfail Spring Trade Expo is welcoming several more businesses and vendors as well as adding a new feature this year called a Taste of Innisfail.
"Some of the (Innisfail) restaurants are going to be mobile. They will have a booth and will be showcasing some of their meals," said Carla Gabert, manager of the Innisfail & District Chamber of Commerce. "All meals will be provided through the Taste of Innisfail or will be a sponsored meal.
"Fortis Alberta is sponsoring our Friday night barbecue, Servus Credit Union is sponsoring our Saturday morning breakfast and there's going to be meals to purchase with the Taste of Innisfail all weekend long," she added.
The annual event takes place at the Innisfail Arena on April 21 and 22.
"On Friday it runs from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. and on Saturday it's from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There's businesses from Innisfail as well as Red Deer County, Red Deer and the surrounding areas."
The spring trade expo kicks off Friday with a free community barbecue beginning at 5 p.m. and will feature a number of vendors and businesses, including those in trades, mechanical, home dÈcor, renovations, and mortgage brokers among others, noted Gabert.
"We've got a good variety of booths this year," she said. "There's also going to be a booth for Canada 150 to show what the town and the community will be doing for Canada's 150 (birthday)."
The two-day event will also feature Otis the Owl from the Medicine River Wildlife Centre both days, and Saturday morning will begin with a pancake breakfast.
The numbers of businesses and vendors participating in the 2017 Innisfail Spring Trade Expo have increased said Gabert, noting there will be something for the entire family to enjoy, including bouncy castles, crafts and activities for the kids.
"We are up from last year. We sold over 100 booths this year," said Gabert, adding the success of the event is due in part each year to participants and sponsors, including those this year -- FortisAlberta (platinum), Sunny 94 and EQUS REA Ltd (gold) and Servus Credit Union and McMan Family and Youth Services (silver).
"I'm looking forward to the trade expo showcasing Innisfail businesses, having everyone out for that weekend and trying out the Taste of Innisfail," said Gabert. "There really is going to be something there for everyone at this year's trade expo."
Carla Gabert, manager Innisfail & District Chamber of Commerce
"There really is going to be something there for everyone at this year's trade expo."
