The second year of the revamped Canmore Trade Fair will take place this weekend, with over 50 exhibitor booths, live music and a contest to determine who can type the fastest with their cellphone in the Bow Valley.
“We’ve got a really diverse group of vendors so there is something for everyone,” said Sondy Szymanis, organizer of the fair, which takes place May 11-12 at the Canmore Rec Centre.
In addition to local vendors such as Canmore Woodcrafters, Alpine Helicopters, Peak Performance Painting and the 2014 Alberta Winter Games, the trade show floor will also play host to non-profit groups with all admission fees going to the foodbank.
“I’m looking upwards of 4,000,” the organizer noted about the projected attendance for this year’s instalment. “I’ve done a lot of marketing and advertising. All of the public that are attending is extremely excited.”
The 2012 fair had 63 vendors and was attended by over 2,400 and despite the shortage in those interested in participating this year – currently there are roughly 55 vendors – Szymanis is confident the event will be a fun-filled occasion for all ages.
“I will still be taking people right up till the (last) minute,” she explained. “I’m short vendors, essentially. From the feedback I got last year I was expecting to have more.”
Since the trade fair receives no financial backing and is run based on the amount of vendors that sign up each year, according to Szymanis, it has become increasingly difficult to maintain and this could be the last year unless more businesses sign up.
“Without more exhibitors, financial sponsorships or donations from the public, the Canmore Trade Fair might once again disappear from the cultural landscape,” she said in a press release.
In an effort to entice more members of the community to show up to this year’s fair, the two-day event will boast pie eating, baking, crafts and quilting contests as well as an art show for kids.
A diaper derby race will also be held on the Sunday while bragging rights for who can text the fastest with their cellphones is up for grabs all weekend.
“I did a bunch of research about what competitions are going to attract and be fun for different age groups,” the organizer pointed out and added more information about each contest can be found at shoplocalcanmore.com
Vendor space at this year’s fair is available for $420 per booth while admission fees are set at $2 or two items to be donated to the foodbank. Doors for the event open at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
Those wishing to volunteer can contact Szymanis at 403-678-1964.
“Anybody that wants to put a couple hours in, I could really use some people on the front desk doing different things,” she said. “It’s going to be great, we’re going to have a lot of fun.”
