Trade Expo and Consumer Fair this weekend at community centre

By Rob Vogt, Local Press Writer

It will be a chance to see what products and services local businesses and beyond have to offer, all under one roof.

The Claresholm and District Chamber of Commerce is holding their annual Trade Expo and Consumer Fair this weekend at the Claresholm Community Centre.

The doors open on Friday afternoon, Feb. 1, at 1 p.m.with the trade expo running until 8 p.m.

The trade expo starts again on Saturday, Feb. 2, starting at 10 a.m. and going to 4 p.m.

Tony Walker is the chair of the organizing committee.

He said the trade expo is sold out, with 55 vendors coming, occupying 68 tables.

They will be offering a wide variety of products including moccasins; eco-water systems; window coverings; insurance and financial products; jewellery; heating pads; bed linen; vehicles; travel services; art; mitts; essential oils; and much more.

There is also a market this year in the small hall, made up of home-based businesses.

There will be a concession offered by Putters in the Bridges at Claresholm Golf Club, in the small hall.

There is also a silent auction with a proceeds going to a community organization yet to be determined.

New this year is the “Passport to prizes”, with 25 vendors participating. The first 200 people each day, who visit the trade expo, will receive a passport.

They have to visit every booth on the passport and get a stamp. A completed passport, containing stamps from all 25 participating vendors, is then entered in a draw for prizes.

There is a total of $450 cash that will be given away as prizes.

Individual vendors have also been encouraged to have their own prize draws at their booths.

Walker invites everyone to come down to the community centre to take in the trade expo and consumer fair on Friday and Saturday.

“We’re expecting some good weather,” he said. “Spring is sprung – it is warm out there.”

The trade expo is a chance to see what great local businesses and new ones have to offer in one place.

“It’s a chance to support local business,” Walker said. “(And) support the local chamber.

“This is one of our largest fundraising events.”