Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife ( May 12/00) - If the success of last year's exhibition is any indication, this year's Yellowknife Trade Show should be just as spectacular.

The Spring Trade Show 2000 has been sold out for four months now, with 105 local businesses showing their wares and eight non-profit organizations taking part in the annual trade bonanza this Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

"Last year we had a record attendance of over 8,000 people," said Ellie Sasseville, executive director of the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce.

"We'll be expecting even more this year."

As a result of the overwhelming response from the local business community to this year's trade show, the Chamber of Commerce has decided to hold another one in September for those businesses who were unable to get a booth for the spring show.

"We'll be having a fall show for those who unfortunately just didn't get a space," Sasseville said.

"We used to have a fall show but haven't done it for five or six years. We already have a waiting list for the fall show."

This year's spring trade show marks its 18th consecutive run in Yellowknife.

According to Sasseville, not only does it allow city businesses the opportunity to get together and meet the public all under one roof, the trade show is also a great event for families.

Whether one is interested in boats, toys or aromatic therapy, Sasseville guarantees that there will be something there for the entire family.

"One thing about the trade show, it always falls on Mother's Day," Sasseville said.

"So it's a real family show. It's geared towards adults and children alike."