The third annual Explore Sundre Adventure and Home Expo will feature a live chainsaw carving demonstration.
The Sundre and District Chamber of Commerce trade fair, which takes place this Friday and Saturday at the Sundre Arena as well as the facility’s parking lot, will also include a separate but related safety presentation on the use of chainsaws to offer some insights on the dos and don'ts, said Mike Beukeboom, expo chairperson and past chamber president.
Considering the substantial role the forestry industry plays in the local economy, Beukeboom said this addition to the trade show is a “perfect fit.”
“Eventually, it’d be fun to have an actual (chainsaw carving) competition,” he said.
Otherwise, the expo will not be unlike previous years, with a focus on offering local and nearby businesses an opportunity to showcase their services and products, not only to visitors but also to residents, he said.
“We’re busier than ever with vendors,” he said.
As of last week about 60 vendor spaces had been booked by roughly 40 businesses and groups, which represents roughly an increase of about 30 per cent over last year’s number, he added.
“It’s going to be packed in the arena.”
Available spots at the arena are all but maxed out, and although no promises can be made, anyone interested in setting up a table at the last minute can contact the chamber at 403-638-3245 or by email at [email protected].
“If there’s space, we’ll squeeze you in.”
Included among the variety of vendors on display will be tourism operators, farm suppliers, automotive services, recreational outdoor businesses, as well as local retailers, he said.
“There’s a little bit of everything for everybody.”
Organizers have also compiled a booklet with six coupons to some local businesses, he added.
“Those kinds of things will be given out at the door.”
The trade show kicks off at 2 p.m. on Friday and at 10 a.m. on Saturday. A local food truck will be onsite, and children will have an opportunity to get helium-filled, animal-shaped balloons.
The main objective behind the trade show — other than providing an opportunity for interested businesses and organizations to promote their products or services — is to generate more awareness about Sundre and surrounding area, said Beukeboom.
“For decades now, I’ve always heard we’re the best-kept secret in Alberta. That has to change,” he said.
“We’ve got some fantastic retail and service oriented businesses in this area that do a terrific job,” he said.
“We have to scream loud and proud that there are some cool things going on out here.”
A long-term goal is to continue growing the trade show and to create a major mainstay event comparable to the scale of the Sundre Pro Rodeo, he added.
Last year’s expo had an attendance of about 1,300 people, up some 20 per cent from 2016, and he hopes to see that number continue to grow.
Although the local chamber of commerce -- without additional sponsorship -- largely organizes the expo, Beukeboom said the Town of Sundre supports the event through the Sundre Economic Development Initiative Fund grant, which the municipality makes available to groups putting on events that are expected to bring people from out of town.
