An annual spring event is now a fall classic.
The Okotoks and District Chamber of Commerce Trade and Lifestyle Show, which was postponed in the spring due to COVID-19, is heading outdoors and will run Sept. 26 at the Okotoks Recreation Centre parking lot.
“With our vendors, it is a lot easier to keep people six-feet apart and we wouldn’t have been able to do that if it was indoors,” said Jayme Hall, chamber executive director. “Also there are no restrictions on the number of attendees for an outdoor trade show anymore.
“That allows us to have people go through the venue and still maintain physical distancing.”
The trade fair had previously been indoors and a multiple-day event at the recreation centre. This year, it is a one-day event.
There were 140 vendors registered for the spring show prior to it being postponed.
“Throughout COVID, I was sending correspondence to vendors telling them we were working on it and hoping for a fall show,” Hall said. “From those vendors, I only heard from two that wanted to receive a refund, that they weren’t able to participate in a fall show.
“That gave us some sort of indication that there was a demand for this.”
Approximately 100 vendors are expected for the fall show.
Hall said it is an indication that there is some optimism in these COVID-19 days.
“People seem excited about it,” Hall said. “So far, in the couple days since we announced it, there has been a lot of interest.”
It’s outside, but some things won’t change at the trade show.
“We are still doing that partnership with MarketSquare, we will have the artisan vendor aspect to it,” Hall said.
The trade show will shine a light on Okotoks area businesses and services.
There will also be several food trucks on site.
The trade show will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 26 rain or shine.
There is no charge for attendees.
For more information, click trade show.
