From meat smokers to animal fashions, trade show will have it all
Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (May 11/01) - The Yellowknife Spring Trade Show is upon us again.
This year marks trade show number 19 and, according to Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce executive director Ellie Sasseville, the popularity of the annual event only continues to grow more and more as the years go by.
"I think it's a really popular event to help kick off the spring," Sasseville says.
"People have been indoors all winter long, and it's a chance to get out the bikes, the strollers, and bring out the family.
"We're even giving free flowers to moms on Mother's Day."
With an expected 8,000 people passing through the Yellowknife Community Arena doors over the May 13-14 weekend, and over 100 booths to explore, Sasseville anticipates another busy trade show year. As usual, some businesses are participating in the trade show for the first time, while others have been involved for several years.
According to Jo-Anne Cooper, owner of Borealis Kennels, this year will mark her eighth appearance and, as a regular participant, coming up with new ideas every year always brings a challenge.
"This year's theme is summertime fun with pets," Cooper says. "We've got muscle T-shirts for dogs and sun visors."
She says with rising concerns for ultra-violet rays over the last few years, the sun visors are becoming more popular than ever.
"Especially for the sheep dogs," Cooper says. "They are very sun-sensitive because they have very light pigments around the eyes, but it is also a major fashion thing."
Cooper also recognizes that our Northern climate often calls for pet attire that's a little more rugged image-wise.
"For the tough dog who doesn't want to look like a sissy, we've got Harley Davidson T-shirts and bandanas," Cooper laughs.
Dale Johnson, owner of Wolverine Sports Shop, is another regular veteran when it comes to the spring trade show, and is always thinking of something new to bring in the crowds.
For Johnson, the trade show provides the perfect opportunity to try out new products on the public he normally wouldn't experiment with the rest of the year.
"We've got something special this year," Johnson promises, referring to the Bradley Smoker, which cures meats with four times less tar and chemicals. "It's the most advanced smoker in the world.
"Before (during earlier trade shows) it's just been fishing, fishing, fishing. But we've been using the trade show as a stepping stone to show the public that we've been diversifying into other areas."
