YELLOWKNIFE - Key chains, water bottles, and pens - free handouts are always a big draw at trade shows.

At Yellowknife's Greatest Indoor Show 2007, the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce's annual trade show, it didn't stop there - massages, chemical peels, and even on-site sauna sessions could be had without handing over a single dime.

Russell Lovell, 11, was a willing tester for the portable sauna units displayed by Monica Pandke. "It's warm," was his description of what it feels like inside the cube. - Erika Sherk/NNSL photo

Beyond the freebies, there was plenty of other action at the show, which was held at the Multiplex.

About 170 vendors and organizations were represented, according to show organizer and Chamber of Commerce director Robert Paul. He estimated that 90 per cent of them were Yellowknife-based.

It was a bigger show this year, said Paul. Last year the number of vendors was at about 75 per cent capacity, he said, and this year it was well over 90 per cent.

Three and a half hours into the show they had seen about 3,000 people stream through the doors of the Multiplex, said Paul.

"We're expecting about 7,000 to 10,000 people for the weekend," he said.

The show was divided into sections, to put smaller, home-based companies and non-profit organizations together so they wouldn't have to compete with bigger, flashier businesses.

"It's essential to have representation from the little guys out there," said Alexander Gresl, the Chamber's general manager.

While quantifying the economic impact the show has on the Yellowknife economy is nearly impossible, said Paul, "It's hundreds of thousands easily.

"It's a healthy economy and the show only bolsters what is already in place."

Whati Artisans had already had a successful morning - one of the "little guys" Gresl was referring to. The Tlicho community had rallied its artists to produce original pieces for the show.

"We sold a purse!" said Lisa Mantla, who was manning the booth. That sale brought in $100.

The group had rented a booth to let people see the artwork first hand.

"We wanted to show that Whati artists do beautiful work," said Lisa Mantla.

At the House of Gems table, Brenda and Clay Scorah were busy admiring a large yellow quartz crystal.

They were at the show for "a big outing," said Clay, and were diverted by the table of sparkling stones.

"We really grew an interest all of a sudden," said Clay, then added with a laugh, "she likes shiny things."

The vendors themselves were generally enthusiastic about the show's exposure. Some veterans offered a few critiques as well.

Doug Witty, owner of Force One, was at the show for the 19th year. Standing next to one of the 22 boats he had brought in for the show, he said the show was "average" so far. Trade shows are a bit of a gamble, he said, as they can be expensive and require a lot of planning.

"We convince ourselves to do it every year," he said, "but it can be a heart-wrenching decision to do all this work."

Another frustration is the timing of the trade show, said Brent Stevens, general manager of Kingland Ford. It is generally held right before the ferry begins summer operations and many businesses have freight on the south side.

"A lot of our product is on the other side of the river," he said. "It's a shame."

Kingland's Mustang GT California Special Edition car on display did not seem to disappoint passersby, however, as many slowed down to admire it.