Kevin Laliberte
Smoky River Express

Richard Froese Express Staff Organizers and exhibitors are giving top marks to the 14th biennial Smoky River Agricultural Trade Show in Falher March 17 to 19 with attendance up from the previous show in 2005. “We had a great turnout, and it looks like we had more people than we had at the last trade show,” says Roch Bremont, who coordinated the event organized by Smoky Applied Research and Demonstration Association (SARDA). “All exhibitors were ecstatic and they rate the show as excellent.” “We had a great deal of positive comments from exhibitors.” “We want all our exhibitors and visitors to leave happy, and they always do,” says Bremont. “They want to come back.” The new Falher Regional Recreation Complex was more than welcome by organizers, exhibitors, visitors, and volunteers. “Several exhibitors commented that the facility is bright, spacious, and warm,” says Bremont. This year’s show promoted about 120 exhibitors, similar to previous shows, he says. While the recreation complex housed 115 exhibit spaces, 46 spaces were located at Chevaliers Community Centre, all featuring businesses and organizations from the Smoky River region, Peace Country, Alberta, western Canada, and as far away as Ontario. Exhibitors were also impressed with the quality of visitors and the warm and friendly hospitality of local residents, says Bremont. “The quality of the crowd met the needs of exhibitors,” says Bremont. A visit from Alberta Agriculture and Food Minister George Groeneveld on Friday also helped raise the profile of the show, he says. “All our exhibitors were happy with the flow of traffic,” says Daniel Aubin, chairman of SARDA and organizing committee. “People were happy with the quality of the exhibits and activities.” Exhibitors gave top marks to the new facility at the recreation complex. “This helps brings life back into the community.” Organizers are grateful for all those who helped get the recreation complex usable for the show. “We thank the Town of Falher and volunteers for getting the recreation complex ready for the show,” says Bremont. Three visitors went home with $500 door prizes for each day. Bill Lillico of Spirit River won the big prize Thursday, while the other two daily winners were Huguette Lapointe of Falher on Friday and Burt Barkman of Birch Hills on Saturday. Wines, Beers, and Cheeses of the World reception for exhibitors Thursday night and the dinner and concert with Gil Grand on Friday night drew almost 300 people each to the curling rink. SARDA and organizers are very grateful for all the volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, local organizations, and supporters for contributing to such a prosperous trade show, along with the agriculture minister and local MLA. Community support and volunteers is what keeps the show going, says Bremont. “The value the trade show and they all work together to make it a successful trade show.” The next show is scheduled to return to Falher in March 2009.

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