The town's first Spring Showcase was such a success, organizers are seriously looking at running it again next year.
The Spring Showcase — an opportunity for parents to sign up their kids for various clubs and organizations that operate in the warmer months as well as year-round activities — was held Feb. 12 at the Big Rack Rentals Cow Palace.
The event, set up by Everything Olds (EO), was an experiment. EO marketing and communications coordinator Patti Simoneau was pleased with how it went.
She says 52 organizations were registered. At the last minute two weren't able to be there.
"The interest from exhibitors far exceeded our expectations. For a first year there was very positive uptake," Simoneau said.
She said the September showcase normally attracts 70 to 80 organizations.
Unfortunately, Simoneau believes really cold weather that day kept a lot of people away.
"The frigid weather kept the numbers of visitors down, sadly, but the exhibitors felt it is worth continuing to develop and the public will start coming as they become familiar with the event," Simoneau said, adding there was a silver lining to that.
"The folks working the floor took advantage of the light foot traffic to go around and conduct some of their own networking, which they found valuable."
Simoneau sent out a survey to exhibitors to find out what they thought of the Spring Showcase. She was encouraged by their response.
"They overwhelmingly support a spring event, and had great suggestions to help it grow in the future," Simoneau said.
"We may move it into March in hopes of avoiding the colder weather. That and several other suggestions will create some discussion about how we may do a similar event in 2020.
"All in all, there’s potential for this event — or something similar — to grow in the future."
