They built it and 591 came!

A trade fair (trade show or expo) is an exhibition organized so that companies in a specific industry can showcase and demonstrate their latest products, service, study activities of rivals and examine recent trends and opportunities.
–Wikipedia

By Ken Johnston
Editor

In the movie Field of Dreams there was a quote, “If you build it, they will come.”
Well the proof was in the pudding over the weekend when the Rainy River and District Chamber of Commerce hosted its fourth annual trade show.
Last year the organization revamped the show and substantially beefed up its marketing efforts. With all their ducks in a row, one thing they could not control was a freak snow storm which dropped 18 inches of snow in one day. That saw some exhibitors cancel out and many members of the public could not get to the RR Arena to attend.
While organizers were disappointed that the weather severely hampered their efforts they did not let it get them down. They knew that if they did everything the same as last year and the weather cooperated they would have a very successful event.
“The weather was absolutely perfect. It was not too cold or warm,” said Chamber President Don Ricci. And even though there was a cattle sale down the road, there was still a record attendance at the event. 591 people attended the trade show.
Another record that was set was the number of booths. “We had 58 booths and 65 organizations represented (some shared booths),” said Ricci.
Mason said that all the exhibitors were top notch offering information, product displays and demonstrations about various aspects of their business/organization.
“We truly met the definition of a trade show (see above),” explained Ricci, “this show gave them (exhibitors) the opportunity to get their name out there.”
“Our goal was to make a really good trade show and I think we did that. I think it is the best little trade show in the Rainy River District!” said Ricci.
Ricci noted that the other committee members, Grace Seguin and Susan Carpenter and especially Anthony Mason deserve a lot of credit. “Without them this could not have happened!”
Both Ricci and Mason said that with the top notch exhibitors and the antique car show and KidZone, the event had something for everyone!
The committee was very pleased with the entire show and to show gratitude to the exhibitors they entered all their names for four draws of chamber member gift certificates. NWO On Line won a cert. from the Roadside, Epicure Selections won one from Marmus Shell, RR Farmers Market won one from Lowes Lumber and Maria Fuhrer Tupperware won one from Stratton Service.
The public also entered for a door prize of $500 in RR Chamber gift certificates. Winning that was Joan Kreger of Rainy River.
Some exhibitors have already booked booths for next year and Mason said anyone interested in getting space for next year can email him at amason@tbaytel.net.