Last weekend brought thousands of eager visitors to the Colour Our World Green themed trade fair at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex. There were no booths left for vendors and attendees had their fair share of local music and gymnastics entertainment.
Les Jaster, executive director of the Ponoka and District Chamber of the Commerce said he enjoyed seeing the many options at the trade fair. “I’m really pleased with the entire package we have this year.”
He said the quality of vendors enhanced the fair for attendees and the Market Square, which was a new idea, was a welcome addition to the large variety of offerings.
“We ventured out into the dark and I think we’ve found a path,” said Jaster.
He hopes to expand on ideas for both the main trade fair floor and the Market Square for next year. He says planners enjoyed the added energy of the market on the small ice surface.
“We like that type of market because it’s an instant sales market,” he explained.
While attendance was down compared to the previous year, Jaster said he is always looking at how to improve the fair. Demand from vendors and attendees to attend has become so great that Jaster intends to hire an assistant for the month leading up to the fair.
“Planning starts on Monday,” he said.
Thoughts from vendors
For his first time at the Ponoka trade fair, Darryl Hogenson of Papa D’s Popcorn, said he enjoyed the environment in Ponoka. He enjoyed the open concept of the floor plan, which allowed customers to weave in and out of different booths.
He compared Ponoka to Lacombe stating the latter’s floor plan was designed for people to follow a course from beginning to end. “I like the setup here better.”
Hogenson commended Jaster for being welcoming but also working to bring Papa D’s back to Ponoka next year. Hogenson said he already has a place ready to book.
This is the second year that Debra Elliot, Scentsy Candles consultant, has taken part in the Ponoka trade fair. She had items for sale but said the real reason she comes is to get her name out to the many people who attend. Elliot said she’s preparing for next year as well. “I’ve already got my application filled out.”
Jaster said more than 2,500 people attended and he is already thinking of new ideas for 2015.