Spring snowstorms last Saturday and Sunday put a dent in crowds at the Stettler trade show, but organizers say the numbers weren’t impacted appreciably.
“Although the weather played into attendance slightly, there were about 2,400 people through the show over the weekend ,” said Stacey Benjamin, the manager of the Stettler Regional Board of Trade and Community Development.
“It wasn’t down that much, considering the weather.”
Overall, the numbers were similar to last year, she said.
Saturday was hardest hit by inclement weather, but 1,000 still showed up at the Stettler Recreation Centre for the busiest day of the three-day fair.
About 850 people attended Friday and 550 on Sunday, traditionally the lightest day of the event, Benjamin said.
Even before the doors opened Saturday morning, about six inches of snow fell overnight in the region, with higher amounts in the surrounding areas.
Although the weather created headaches outdoors, vendors were pleased with the reception inside the recreation centre.
“This is a good place to show our product and we got lots of interested people,” said Bill Strohschein of Cottage Concrete, a new business that set up a booth at the trade show for the first time.
That reaction was echoed by another business that came back to the show this year, after an absence.
“It’s always been good for our business, and we got a fair number of leads,” said Lawrence Muhlbach, owner of Heartland Glass.
“I haven’t been here for a few years and decided to return this year.”
For long-time participants, the show helps to boost business.
“People thought the snow might slow down traffic on Saturday, but crowds were still strong,” said Kelly Hicks of Stettler Dodge and RV.
“When do you get this many people walking through your business on a weekend?”
Spring is also a good time to promote outdoor businesses, said some of the vendors.
“People are still coming in to the show,” said Beth Fulton of Echoglen Gardens in Donalda. “What else is there to do in the snow?”
She also ranked the Stettler fair among the best in the province.
“People have told me that the trade show in Camrose doesn’t have near the support as Stettler,” Fulton said.
The 34th annual Stettler trade show is scheduled for April 11 to 13 next year.