Tom Henihan
Express Staff
Peace River and District Chamber of Commerce “Spring Trade Show 2019” will take place on April 5 and 6 at Baytex Energy Centre.
Recognizing that 2019 is the 100 anniversary of the incorporation of the Town of Peace River, the organizers chose the term “Bright Future,” in acknowledging the past hundred years of development of the town and region of Peace River, while also looking at a bright future ahead.
“When the Chamber did its business awards this year we did the nostalgia thing and decorated the dining room like the D. A Thomas,” says Peace River Chamber manager Ramona Thoma.
“The Trade Show theme is “Bright Future” so the Trade Show is now looking forward to a bright future.”
D. A Thomas was a steamship built in 1915 that featured prominently in the commercial development of the Town of Peace River and other communities along the river, bringing in supplies and shipping out commodities from the region.
Apart from the Peace 100 celebration, another milestone for the Spring Trade Show is that it will be the last event held at the Baytex Arena as the building is scheduled for demolition on the Monday following the Trade Show.
“It’s a combination of both,” says Thoma. “Everyone comes with their new products because it is the spring and it is one of the first Trade Shows in the area so they get to bring out what is new for the year, so this is what we are showcasing.”
For instance, the forestry industry in the region will be highlighting its products and initiatives for this year.
Most levels of government will be represented at the show, including MLA Debbie Jabbour, UCP candidate Dan Williams along with the Town of Peace River, Northern Sunrise County and Northern Lights County.
There are also two non-profit organizations: Peace River Ag Society and the Peace Regional Air Show will be present.
The trade show will have ninety booths on the main floor, approximately seventeen home based businesses upstairs, and twenty outdoor booths for oversize equipment such as farm equipment, RVs and tent trailers.
“We are partnering with the Girl Guides of Canada who will be collecting entrance fees and selling Girl Guide cookies at the door,” says Thoma.
“And we have a food booth centre upstairs where people can purchase food, which is run by hockey moms and the money raised from the venture will go towards minor hockey. So that is another thing we do working with our community.”
Over a dozen door prizes will be given out during the event, Sweet Pea Clothing will present a Fashion Show on Friday night April 5 and on Saturday youth buskers will perform on stage.
“Our Peace River Tradeshow is an excellent event every year, it’s an entertaining event for the whole family, and it provides face to face interaction for our businesses,” says Peace River Chamber president, Justin Hicks.
“The exposure to many potential leads and the ability to interact personally, offers a mutually benefit relationship between businesses and their potential customers. By hosting an event like this, it offers an opportunity for our local and regional businesses to grow.”
