SWCC returning local trade show for third year

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Strathmore Wheatland Chamber of Commerce (SWCC) is bringing back their annual trade show for the third year running, this time to be hosted at the Strathmore Civic Centre. 

Cody Holdaway, secretary for the SWCC, explained hosting the event aims to promote the local Strathmore and Wheatland County business communities, including anything from home-based and family-run businesses, to large industrial operations, and even a handful of local nonprofits. 

“The whole event is purely to promote the Strathmore and Wheatland business communities,” he said. “The Town (of Strathmore) had approached the chamber and (suggested) that the town needs a trade show, but the town did not have any sort of major trade show other than the Strathmore Stampede, so the chamber in partnership with the town decided to do it.”

Previously hosted in the Strathmore Motor Products Sports Centre, Holdaway explained booth sales for businesses to participate at the show have been high, and the event has been steadily growing since its inception. 

This year, the event was decided to migrate to the civic centre due to scheduling conflicts that arose at the Sports Centre, though the new venue offers a similar amount of floor space and occupancy limits. 

Holdaway added one of the goals this year for the trade show is to bring in more activities to engage a younger audience, as parents engage with businesses and potentially do some shopping. 

“We are looking to add that kid zone – in past years we have brought a bouncy castle; we are looking to do that again, hopefully some cornhole boards. The chamber is playing with the idea of a face painter, just some more things to do to keep the kids engaged,” he said. “The chamber is also looking to set up what we are calling ‘Food Truck Alley’ and we are hoping to get a plethora of food trucks to set up outside the trade show.”

Holdaway explained the show has space to host roughly 40 businesses at booths this year, with spaces at the show selling quickly. Information about booking a booth is available through the chamber’s website. The same is true for food trucks that are interested in participating.

The show is scheduled to take place on Sept. 14, operating from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.