Northern Connections host Peace River & District Chamber of Commerce had a booth promoting its services. Left-right, are chamber manager Reilly Bassendowski and Jelke Schippers.
Emily Plihal Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Peace River welcomed residents and visitors from around the region as Northern Connections Expo returned to the Baytex Energy Centre on the weekend of April 25-26.
“This year’s Expo was a great success,” says Peace River and District Chamber of Commerce manager Reilly Bassendowski, noting the Expo used to be called the Spring Trade Show.
“We had about 1,300 attendees.”
The Expo had several attractions for people of all ages to enjoy, from games to beer gardens and everything in-between. Bassendowski says they’re hoping to keep seeing growth in their expo at next year’s event.
“We are always looking for ways that we can improve, hopefully next year’s Expo will be even bigger and better,” she says.
“This year we offered Mother’s Day Photos by Photography by Lori, Peace River Brewing hosted beer gardens, Northern Sunrise County sponsored a visit by the Tipsy Burro, and the Town of Peace River sponsored a show and swim.”
In addition, the show featured a variety of exhibitors that included machinery and vehicle sales businesses, home-based vendors, non-profits, sports and recreation, financial, construction, and so much more.
Bassendowski also wants to extend a special thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Expo.
“Thank you to everyone who came out to see the show and to the exhibitors for having such great booths,” she says.
“Special thank you to Canadian Tire, Town of Peace River, Northern Sunrise County and Photography by Lori for the roles they each played in the success of this year’s Expo.”
Peace River Brewing is celebrating 25 years in business and let everyone know about it! Left-right are Ashlin Laliberte, Tyrel Kehler, Medrey Bond and Nichole Pettkus.Peace River Rotaract members appropriately wore plaid to remind people of the proper attire to wear at River Days. Left-right are Bradd Carr, Shelly Shannon, Ryler L’abbe, Mille L’abbe, Louise McDonald, Tyler Dupuis, Barb Johnso and Lisa Armstrong.Calibre Mudjacking Ltd. will lift your concrete no matter where! Kurt Lummerding owns the company and has over 30 years of experience.Northern Lakes College never misses an opportunity to promote its excellent education programs and “The Education You Want!”Toastmasters representatives attended to promote its organization. Members of Toastmasters are taught public speaking skills which help build confidence and develop leadership.Owners of businesses making food and drink were on location. Above, Barb Devlieger of Dunvegan Fine Foods sells her products.Businesses from all over the Peace Country attended the trade show, including Stojan’s Power Sports & Marine from Grande Prairie.Peace River Brewing sponsored a place where children and youth could play games. Left-right are Krypton Wood, 12, Ethan Harpe, 13, Rehan Wood, 10, and Emmett Harpe, 10, testing their skills in cornhole.Need a nice, comfortable couch to rest on after attending Northern Connections? Country Corner Furniture from Grimshaw brought some samples for potential customers to enjoy!Mighty Peace Chevrolet Buick GMC was at the trade show. Left-right are Jocelyn Latendresse, Shelli Nixon, Baron Larsen, Nick Heritt and Peter Herritt. Peter is a former president of the Peace River Chamber of Commerce.Northern Sunrise County was one of many municipalities to attend. Left-right are some staff and members of council: Lynn Florence, Cindy Miller, Gaylene Whitehead, Jasmine McGlaughlin, Kandice Ropson and Carolyn Kolebaba.The Town of Peace River supported the event. Left-right are: Kariene Whittley, new business retention specialist; Daniel Cress, new director of protective services, Mayor Elaine Manzer, and communications officer Stewart Burnett.People attending the trade show could win many prizes including at Proper-D Bros. Contracting. Left-right are Brandon Dous and Dean Tubbs.River City Cinema attended the trade show and had plenty of prizes to give to people attending. And after a long day at Northern Connections, why not enjoy a relaxing evening at the movies?Peace River Trappers had a wide variety of furs on display at the trade show. The fur trade (once a backbone of trade in the region) is still alive and well in the Peace Country after hundreds of years.
