The 11th annual Morinville & District Chamber of Commerce Expo will have a “little bit of everything” for families and local exhibitors this weekend.
The “Leap into Spring Expo” running from Friday, April 19 to Sunday, April 21 at the Ray McDonald Arena will showcase businesses and community groups from around the region.
“This will give exhibitors the opportunity to interact face-to-face with the community and show them what they have to offer,” said chamber president Heather Folkins, adding around 85 exhibitors have already booked booths.
The variety of vendors includes home-based businesses and non-profits such as Second Chance Animal Rescue Society, which will be holding a pet adoption event on Sunday.
The three-day tradeshow won’t just be of interest to businesses. Family activities are sure to attract crowds, noted Folkins.
“With the weather being what it is, I don’t think people will be out in their yards,” she said. The expo, formerly known as “Share the Secret Trade Show” has attracted at least 2,000 people every year.
The opening ceremonies will kick off on Friday at 6 p.m. with remarks from Maureen Kubinek, MLA for Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock, musical accompaniment by local elementary school choirs and dance performances by Dance Connections Inc.
A pet fashion show sponsored by the Morinville Veterinary Clinic will be held on Saturday, as well as a performance by country folk singer Justin Hogg. Activities for children include a kids’ talent show, face painting, bouncy castle and tractor pull on Saturday afternoon.
Entertainment by Ryley Quinn and friends will be followed by the annual baby crawl on Sunday afternoon.
Attendees will also be eligible to win a door prize valued at more than $3,000 for a one-week Norwegian Cruise vacation to Alaska or the Caribbean, for two. The trip includes airfare from Edmonton. The actual trip portion may be exchanged for a $2,500 travel voucher from Escape TravelPlus.
Tickets for the Spring Expo are $3 per person, $10 per family and children two and under are free.
