Stettler Trade Show attracted enthusiastic but smaller crowds to celebrate the 30th annual event at Stettler Recreation Centre on April 9 to 11.
“We had very positive responses from vendors and visitors,” said Gwenda Gravely, who coordinated the event hosted by Stettler Regional Board of Trade and Community Development.
“Vendors were impressed with the set-up of the show and the great hospitality that Stettler always gives.”
“Visitors enjoyed the show with 32 new exhibitors which gave them more options of products and services.”
Spotlighting 100 exhibitors from throughout Alberta and western Canada, the show drew 4,338 over the weekend, down from a record-breaking 5,300 last year when the event was enhanced by warm spring weather and Stettler and District Music Festival.
While windy and cold weather kept many people away, said executive director Keith Ryder, the economic downturn has also hindered trade shows around Alberta this year.
“In discussions with our exhibitors, the board of trade has found that virtually all trade shows have reported a decline in attendance for a variety of reasons, including the economic uncertainty in many areas,” said Ryder.
Despite declining attendance, organizers and exhibitors were very pleased with the trade show.
“Virtually all exhibitors were impressed with the show and made good contacts and sales,” said Ryder.
“We’ve got lots of sales from the trade show and it was very well attended,” said Beth Fulton, owner of Echoglen Gardens in Donalda, participating in its fourth year.
“It also looks like the economy is going to pick up.”
“We always get a boost in the number of patients from this trade show,” said Dr. Wayne Smith of Family Chiropractic of Stettler, attending for the fifth year.
“It’s a good opportunity to get more exposure in the community.”
He also finds that several other products at the show complement his services and he can take advantage of them in his clinic.
Fishing trips to northern Saskatchewan and Northwest Territories were also a big a hit at the trade show.
“We always end up booking lots of people here at the trade show,” said Ron Cojocar, manager of Adventure Destinations International, at the show for the fourth year.
“A lot of people in this area come out to Saskatchewan to fish because Alberta doesn’t have those good opportunities here.”
Another hot item was the steam iron presented by Redfern Enterprises of Calgary that has returned for many years.
“This is a small town and many people buy our products and tell their friends who come and check us out and many buy our iron,” said Genevieve Fontaine.
“Everyone is very friendly and I enjoy this event in Stettler.”
Exhibits and displays promoted home improvements, home entertainment, landscaping, homemade crafts and products, leisure and recreation, vehicles, financial and insurance services, environmental and green choices, agriculture, service and retail, commercial and industrial, along with home-made businesses, municipal and community groups.
Next year’s Stettler Trade Show is scheduled for April 15 to 17.