Big show begins Friday, ends Sunday
LITTLE CURRENT—Pent up demand for a booth at the Manitoulin Trade Fair seems to have unleashed a flood of applications from local vendors, as spaces at this year’s event have sold out, promising a great selection of Manitoulin products and services, including many new offerings.
“We are doing extremely well,” said LAMBAC General Manager Michael Addison. “We have completely sold out. We have more sponsors than in previous years and new exhibitors and businesses taking part. We are looking at it being a really good event.”
Mr. Addison has a good reason to be excited about this year’s event with 66 new businesses taking part. “Some are new to the event and some are new to the area,” he said. The offerings include both “old standbys” and plenty of new and innovative products and services that cover a wide range.
“I have always gone to the fair,” said Mr. Addison, who has recently taken up the LAMBAC general manager’s position. “I like to see the new businesses, but also the new products that are being offered for sale.”
Mr. Addison had high praise for the work of his staff in putting this year’s event together. “Allison Bentley (LAMBAC office manager) and her team have really done an incredible job,” he said. “This is Allison’s first time being the main organizer of the Manitoulin Trade Show, although she helped out with the last one.”
The Manitoulin Trade Fair has always been a very popular early summer event, with over 6,000 visitors in a lean year and over 10,000 people coming through the doors when things are truly hopping. Judging by the excitement being generated amongst the vendors, this year promises to be even bigger and better than most years.
As is the case in previous years, The Manitoulin Expositor (Manitoulin Publishing) will be taking part in this year’s event as well. Readers are invited to drop by booth 134 to check out our newest online and print services and to chat with some of our dedicated staff.
This year will boast a licenced restaurant, a demo area where vendors will be showing off their products live and Science North will be entertaining young and old. Be sure to check your tickets for the daily door prizes and a chance to win an iPad.
The Manitoulin Trade Fair, showcasing Manitoulin and LaCloche Businesses, opens on Friday, May 29 at 5 pm until 9 pm, then reopens on Saturday May 30 at 10 am until 6 pm, then there is one last crack at taking in the event on Sunday, May 31 at 10 am until 4 pm. Admission for single $5, but children 12-and under are free.
The prospect of thousands of visitors to the community has the Little Current Business Area Improvement Association excited as well, they will be setting up a community yard sand sidewalk sale downtown in Expositor Square and in front of businesses to raise funds for Canada Day celebrations and to help attract visitors to the downtown area stores after they have checked out the deals to be had at the Trade Fair. The yard sale will run from 9 am to 4 pm, or when stock runs out. Those wishing to donate items for the sale can bring larger items to The Expositor through the week and smaller items to The Island Jar.
