HOULTON, Maine — An annual rite of spring returns this weekend as the Millar Civic Center hosts the Southern Aroostook Trade Show.
Sponsored by the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce, this year’s trade show promises to be bigger than ever.
“We are overbooked and that is a wonderful problem to have,” said Chamber Executive Director Jane Torres. “We have some new people this year, which is very exciting. We will have to do some refiguring, but I think we can fit everyone.”
The Houlton show typically attracts between 1,500 and 2,000 attendees over a two-day period, depending on the weather. Preparations for the event start a long time before the actual trade show is opened to the public and requires lots of man hours and a dedicated group of professionals invested in making their booth interesting to the viewers.
One of the newer exhibitors is Steven Jandreau, a wildlife taxidermist, who will have a number of pieces on display.
In addition, 5K Tent and Event is slated to once again bring a bounce house and inflatable slide for children to enjoy. The Northern Maine Wood Turners will again be in attendance, showcasing their wood-crafting skills for the public and Houlton resident Cameron Clark will be doing chainsaw carving.
Houlton Powersports will have a number of recreational vehicles on display including motorcycles, ATVs and motor homes. Chadwicks greenhouse and Pleasant View Tree Farm will also have lots of greenery on display, to give the event more of a “Home and Garden” flavor than in year’s past.
“This is the season where people really want to see some green and think of spring,” Torres said.
The Houlton event runs Saturday, April 8 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, April 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and costs $3 admission. A $1 off coupon can be found in this week’s issue of the Houlton Pioneer Times.
For more information, call 532-4216.
