Yellowknife (May 12/04) - The Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce is very pleased with Yellowknife's annual Spring Trade Show.

Yellowknife Chamber president Jerry Jaud said companies at the trade show were happy with the overall turnout this year.

But even though the trade show seemed packed with people on Sunday afternoon at the Yellowknife Community Arena, Chamber executive director Dale Thomson said attendance was down from last year.

While attendance at the trade show was close to 7,000 this year, last year up to 10,000 people showed up.

"We've received some phenomenal remarks from the companies and booth presenters," said Thomson, as the Sir John Franklin high school jazz band played in the bleachers.

The Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce actively involved Yellowknife schools in this year's edition of the trade show, with the jazz band and St. Pat's students working the parking lot.

Next year, the plan is to take the trade show to the Multiplex.

It's possible, says Thomson, that both pads may be used -- with a car, RV and boat show on one pad, and a home and garden show on the second.

Overall, the profits on this year's trade show are expected to be less, says Thomson, mostly because of increasing insurance costs.

"Our costs are increasing so the profit is not as great, but on the retail side of things we're really pleased," he said.