The East Ferris Trade Show returns May 28 at the East Ferris Community Centre, and early-bird prices to purchase booth space are available until March 31.
Covid-19 precautions impacted the event over the past years. In 2020 the show was cancelled outright, and last year the big day was presented virtually. This May, with restrictions lifting, the municipality is excited to bring the show back, live and in person, and invite everyone to get their fill of local and regional businesses.
That’s what the day is all about, “showcasing and promoting businesses and organizations in the area,” said Greg Kirton, East Ferris’ director of community services.
At past events, over 1,000 people have attended, streaming through the doors continuously between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to visit the over 50 booths that are usually set up on the arena’s floor.
Already 23 booths have confirmed for this year, and early-bird prices of $150 plus HST per booth remain available until March 31. After that, the price rises to $200 plus HST.
Attendance is free for the public, and Kirton mentioned there are events for the kids. The municipality strives to make it family friendly, as it is the rare child who truly enjoys a day at the trade show. So, they host some events like face painting, balloons, and often have a bounce castle on site.
A pancake breakfast kicks off the day, which takes place upstairs at the Community Centre from 8 to 11 a.m. There is a fee to indulge, and Kirton is unsure at this time what that cost will be. However, the money goes to a local charity. In previous years they donated the pancake proceeds to the East Ferris LEAD team, which raises money for the public library.
Kirton mentioned that sponsorships for the event are going well this year, with 11 sponsors signing up so far to support the event. Sponsorships range from $1,500 for a platinum level to $250 for the bronze level and remain available to purchase.
“It’s an event where we can promote our local businesses and other organizations within the area,” Kirton said, adding the event “provides a good chance for businesses to network with other businesses and the public,” to help get their name out there. “It’s a good community event.”
For more information, and to purchase a booth or sponsorship, visit East Ferris’ website.
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
