This year’s trade show, sponsored by the Rimbey Chamber of Commerce and Victim Services, offered a potpourri of booths, information and entertainment.
The Rimbey Expo held April 24 and 25 at the arena in the Peter Lougheed Community Centre attracted 55 vendors, up considerably from last year when only 32 booths were set up.
“I thought it was excellent,” said Carrie Vaartstra, office administrator for the Rimbey and District Chamber of Commerce. “Sharing our future together was our theme and it was very fitting. And we had a diverse group of exhibitors.”
The partnership between the chamber and Victim Services for the trade show proved to be a win/win.
“We were able to work together to bring awareness to the public,” said Vaartstra, adding the trade show was held during National Victims of Crime Awareness Week.
Friday evening started off with great entertainment as local singer/songwriter Debbie Bergeron performed some of her award singing songs.
Later Sgt. Clayton Wilbern spoke about illegal substances in a community including the signs and symptoms to watch for.
Wilbern also spoke on Saturday when he focused on legalizing marijuana and the effects on society.
Lucy, the victim services dog trained by Dogs with Wings to help ease the effects of trauma that victims experience, was at the trade show, Saturday. Rimbey Gymnastic Club and Val Hilliker, a local ventriloquist along with balloon artist Sheriff McTwist and face painter Rosie Posie provided diverse entertainment.
A pancake breakfast sponsored by Joanne Mar- shall was held Saturday morning in the arena foyer and Rimbey 4-H Club manned the front door.