by Morinville News Staff
The Morinville and District Chamber of Commerce is getting ready to open the gates on their annual trade show, which will take over the Ray McDonald Sports Centre Apr. 11 to 13. Now in its 12th year of operation, the show is operating once again under its Leap into Spring Expo name, but will continue the long-standing tradition of combining local and regional businesses and organizations with plenty of entertainment and a special door prize.
“I think it’s really great to see the district show off the wares that they are selling,” said Chamber President Simon Boersma, adding the region has a lot to showcase. “It’s amazing what we have in our community, and [we’re excited] to be able to show that to the public.”
Although Morinville and area residents may be familiar with some of the community’s larger businesses, visitors will also have the opportunity to see some of the community’s home-based business, entrepreneurial enterprises that are offering interesting products and services in Morinville and surrounding area.
Showcasing talent as well
Not only will the arena be full of small, medium and large businesses, the event will fill the stage with a variety of entertainment once again this year. “I think what is important is the community,” Boersma said of adding entertainment. “We go back into the community because the community can be a part of this. This is about families and community coming together.”
Saturday brings a variety of entertainment to the stage, including the Morinville Veterinary Clinic’s 2nd Annual Pet Fashion Show. Sunday’s entertainment includes The Morinville News’ Annual Baby Crawl contest. The former event puts critter versus critter on the stage to see whose animal is the best dressed. The latter event is pure knee to the carpet speed crawling.
Those interested in registering their pet for the fashion show have until Apr. 11. They can do so in person at The Morinville Veterinary Clinic (9804 – 90th Avenue) or by phoning 780-939-3133. Registrations can also be made online at morinvillevet.com. Entry forms for The Morinville News Baby Crawl are available at the Morinville Chamber of Commerce Office and the Morinville Community Library as well as at the door Apr. 11-13.
This year’s contest door prize is a backyard package valued at approximately $1,000. “We’re going to have a stamp card again,” Boersma said, adding visitors enter by getting their card stamped at booths.
The Leap into Spring Expo runs Apr. 11 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Apr. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Apr. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $3 per person, $10 per family. Children under 2 admitted free.
