Local shopping opportunity- Magrath and District Chamber of Commerce 5th Annual Trade Show

By Karlene Skretting
Westwind Weekly News
reporter.karlene@gmail.com

Local businesses, both big and small, will come together on Saturday April 18 for the 5th Annual Magrath and District Chamber of Commerce Trade Show. Vendors will promote their products and services between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Garth Veale Arena. It is free to attend for all ages.
“The purpose of the trade show is to get people with home based businesses and hobbies to showcase what they have to offer and show Magrath the many different local options that they have,” said Ross Moore, Magrath and District Chamber of Commerce director. He went on to note that there are many home-based businesses in Magrath that neighbours don’t even always know about.
In its inaugural year, over 2,000 people attended the Trade Show, but Moore admits that the numbers have not been as high as the Chamber would like in recent years, citing poor weather conditions as a contributing factor.
This year, the goal is to have at least 45 booths, similar to the last two years. With possible booths focusing on services, food, jewellery, baking, clothing informational booths, health and wellness, crafts and commercial items.
The Magrath Lions Club will be offering face painting and will have a large bouncy castle for the children in attendance to enjoy.
And the Magrath High School Travel Club will be operating the kitchen upstairs selling food items throughout the day to raise money to help cover expenses associated with upcoming trips.
On top of the shopping and educational booths, visitors can expect some family friendly entertainment including Rock a Billy and the Country Bumpkin, Clayton Gast and the Spirit of Scotland Dancers. Each act will give a 20-minute performance, with a new act taking to the stage at 11, 12, one and three.
Moore is still trying to round up another act or two because of other last minute cancellations. He is hoping to secure a local big name act like Corb Lund for next year or to bring back Trevor Panczak.
Everyone that attends the show and fills out a draw ticket will be entered into a free draw for one of three $100 gift certificates, redeemable at any Magrath Chamber Member, explained Moore.
Most of the booths will also be offering free draw items and their door prizes will be drawn for at 3 p.m., but winners do not have to be in attendance at the time to claim the prize.
If interested in being part of the event, you can call Roger Davies at 403-388-4332. A 5 foot by 8 foot table costs $50 and a 10×10 booth costs $60. Chamber members receive a $20 discount.
For more information and an up-to-date list of trade show participants visit http://www.magrathchamber.com
Going into next year the Chamber realizes that they need to do some things differently in order to be successful. This includes recruiting more volunteers to help with set up and coordinating entertainment. If you are interested in helping call Ross Moore at 403-758-3945.