Yellowknife (May 17/06) - Great weather and Mother's Day may have been pushing people outside over the weekend, but they didn't stop more than 6,000 people from taking in Yellowknife's Greatest Indoor Show 2006.

Sarah Morgan, from left, Rob Latimer, Jeff Seabrook and Rob Coolen of the new M & M Meat Shops store were on hand at Yellowknife's Greatest Indoor Show 2006 over the weekend. The store is set to open on May 27 in the Stanton Plaza. - David Ryan/NNSL photo

The show, held at the Multiplex, had more than 160 booths ranging from multinational companies to home-based businesses and community groups.

"It's not just a business to business show," said Steve Meister, president of the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce. "This is a community trade show for every member of a family."

The chamber runs the trade show each year and this time made some changes to deal with traffic flow more effectively.

In its second year at the Multiplex, organizers this year also developed the upper deck area, said show co-ordinator John Dalton.

Improved traffic flow on the show floor meant a steady stream of people and Blaine Benko was glad to see lots of faces interested in learning about his firm - Big B's Custom Built Design. Benko said it was encouraging to see people stop and browse at his custom made cabinet's and tables.

"It's good exposure. Even in a small town, people don't always know about certain businesses," said Benko.

While a number of larger Yellowknife businesses were set up in the arena, a variety of groups and businesses were promoting their operations in the Community Corner area amid the sounds of live music.

"It's nice to get out and promote my business," said Teresa Patzer, owner of home-based Epicure Selections.

Patzer was selling a variety of food products from her booth.

It was Patzer's first year attending the trade show, but she was impressed with the event.

The move to the Multiplex prior to the 2005 show allowed Force One to showcase its boats on the same weekend as the rest of the tradeshow.

In years past the boat and auto show had been held the week prior, said Force One owner Doug Witty.

"The trade show is a good way to kickoff the boating season," said Witty.

Force One had 25 boats on display.

"People come here to buy and to take a look," he said.

The Yellowknife Chamber predicted attendance was up by 10 per cent this year.