For the second year in a row, the Ponoka and District Chamber of Commerce's annual trade show and market will also include a job fair, thanks to grant funding.
Altogether, including all the vendors from the market and employers and service providers with booths, there are 72 confirmed registrants for the trade show so far.
The trade show, which runs April 11-12 at the Ponoka arena, is the chamber's major event of the year, and their first big event of the spring.
"There's lots of exciting vendors coming," said chamber president Sherry Gummow, adding they're just hoping for a good turnout and agreeable weather.
While the early bird registration deadline was March 21, businesses and organizations can still get in on the action. To be included in promotional print materials for the market, register by March 27.
A couple of the employment support services that will be onsite at the job fair are the Career Assistance Network and DFW Career Services.
"If you're looking to get your resume done there will be people there who can help you with that," said Gummow.
The artisan market, which has about 40 tables so far, also has a special license for low-risk foods.
Shoppers will receive a passport they can get stamped at each booth they stop at. Once they have a stamp on each square, they can enter a draw for a chance to win a 65 inch, 4K Google smart TV from The Brick.
Don't miss the animal and reptile petting zoo, which is sure to be popular.
First Ponoka Traditional Scouting will also be showing off their new pine car track during the trade show.
Also returning this year will be the LA Vintage Machinery Club display in the curling rink.
The antique farm equipment exhibit fits into the trade show's theme of looking to the past as well as the future: 'On the Move,' said Gummow.
The chamber recognizes that mainly direct to consumer businesses directly benefit from having a booth at a trade show, so that's why they're providing multiple ways for the business community to get involved and promote awareness.
Businesses can sponsor a booth for a non-profit, donate, or volunteer.
"We still have lots of terrific organizations that could use help with their booth costs," said chamber manager Melanie Watson.
Volunteers are needed to assist with registration, booth relief for people taking breaks, and security.
A group, ideally a service organization, is needed to provide security at the arena overnight. An honorarium will be provided, which makes it a good fundraising opportunity for a non-profit, said Watson.
For more information about any of the volunteer or honorarium opportunities, contact Watson at 403.783.3888 or admin@ponokachamber.ca.
Admission for the trade show will be $10 for families or $4 per adult and $2 for youth and seniors. Children under five are free.
Other chamber news
There will be a chamber 'Business after 5' networking event at the Longhorn Saloon and Grill on April 3 from 5 to 7 p.m.
The event is a casual mix and mingle for the Ponoka business community.
"If you're a member come and bring a friend who isn't," said Gummow.
Complimentary appetizers will be provided.
The event is free to attend for chamber members.
As the chamber updated their bylaws a year ago, they're no longer required to have 10 meetings annual, and are opting to host events instead.
"We really struggled with getting a quorum for meetings, so we're having events - they're more fun," said Gummow.
The chamber will also be hosting a federal election forum. The date is to be announced.
Mark your calenders for the chamber's pancake breakfast on June 25. Details to be determined.
