SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Longtime Spring Trade Show spectator Edward Dithurbide will be on the other side of the booths this year.
Yk Motors Ltd. owner Greg Boucher, pictured at the downtown dealership on Wednesday, will have a full stock of Thunder Jet Boats on display at this weekend's Spring Trade Show. - Thandiwe Vela/NNSL photo
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Dithurbide, who in previous years joined the throngs of people walking booth to booth at the annual event with his young family, opened his own business earlier this year.
Jerrie's Delivery Services, which Dithurbide opened last March, is one of 143 exhibitors scheduled to pack the Multiplex this weekend, for the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce's 31st annual Spring Trade Show.
"This one's a big deal. It's just so huge. 10,000 people go through the doors of the trade show every year on that weekend," Dithurbide said. "10,000 people. That's a lot of people to find out about your business.
"I signed up for a booth so that I could get our business out there and let Yellowknife know exactly what Jerrie's is all about. I think a lot of people don't know yet. They'll know this weekend exactly what Jerrie's is all about."
In the last couple of years, the Spring Trade Show has seen in the range of 8,000 to 10,000 attendees, said chamber executive director Leslie Valpy.
It has grown in popularity with exhibitors and spectator participants alike, she said.
"It's the largest trade show North of 60, so obviously businesses see a great opportunity to showcase what they're selling. But we also have government agencies there, non-government agencies, there's non-profit groups, there's a food court," Valpy said.
"I think participants are equally interested in seeing what new businesses may be out there. There's realtors, people selling toys, there's soaps, massage therapists -- there's everything there and so I think it's a chance for people to see in one area what is available in Yellowknife itself in general. Instead of going to the individual businesses, they're all in one giant room."
The big toys are also a major draw for many to the trade show, said Yk Motors Ltd. owner Greg Boucher.
"All the vendors are showing their wares and have good sales on so it's a great time to take advantage of some better value. And there's always lots of neat toys and stuff there from boats and motorcycles and ATVs. So that's always I think a big draw," he said.
"The show is always very well attended. And last year we sold out of our Thunder Jet Boats and so this year we increased our order and we're hoping to do the same. We're looking forward to a great show."
Businesses from out of town will also be setting up booths for the trade show, Valpy said.
Popular children's entertainer "Dan the Balloon Man" will be returning.
"We hope to see everybody in Yellowkife on Saturday and Sunday," Valpy said. "Doors open at 10."
The show goes until 5 p.m. on Saturday. Doors open again at 10 a.m. on Sunday and the event runs until 4 p.m.
