Exhibitors still wanted
for Home & Small Business Trade Show
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Though just days away, exhibitors still have time to be part of The Forum’s Home & Small Business Trade Show.
Now in its fourth year, the event will take place this weekend at The Forum in Presque Isle.
The show is open to small entrepreneurs, home and small businesses, and crafters to showcase, sell and/or promote their products and services.
“A lot of people compare this show to our Trash and Treasure Sale, but they’re two totally different events,” said Sandy Bonville, administrative assistant. “The Trash and Treasure Sale brings out everybody, whereas this show is meant to be a little more high end in terms of the craft items that are for sale.
“We’re not allowing just anybody to get into the show. They can’t say, ‘Oh, I have collectibles I’m going to sell.’ You have to be a person who does it as a small business,” she said.
Bonville acknowledged that she’s having a hard time recruiting exhibitors.
“The attendance isn’t what we’d like to see at this show,” she said. “Exhibitors will come to the Trash and Treasure Sale and see tons of people, but when they come to the Home & Small Business Trade Show, they say, ‘Where is everybody?’ What people need to realize is that the trade show features more high end, quality items.”
She attributes the lower attendance figures to the springtime weather.
“Come late spring, if you have a nice day, people want to be outside. They don’t want to come inside to a show,” said Bonville. “That’s why we pray for rain or bad weather when we have a show, so it will help bring people in to us since they can’t get out and do yard work and enjoy the day.”
Moving the date of the show isn’t really feasible, she said.
“After public skating/hockey is done, we have the Musical on Ice Show, followed by McCluskey’s Trailer & RV Show, then the Agri-Business Trade Fair, and the Spring Trash and Treasure Sale,” said Bonville, “so even if we moved things around, we’d have the same problem. Plus, Easter weekend put us a week later this year, so now we’re getting into nicer weather. With that nicer weather, people want to be outside. It’s tough.”
Among the exhibitors that are planning to attend include representatives from Jamberry Nails, Mary Kay, Paparazzi, Style Dots, Younique, Tastefully Simple, Origami Owl and Scentsy.
“In addition, we’ll have such businesses as Aroostook County Sharpening Service, Cushman & Sons, Maple Moose, and Hole in Your Bucket,” said Bonville. “He’s a certified energy auditor who will come to your home and tell you what you need to do to weatherize your house so you’re not losing so much heat.”
Bonville said she encourages people to either exhibit or attend the show.
“We’ve got quite a good mixture of exhibitors, but we would love to have more,” she said. “People can call right up until the day before to participate.
“I’d encourage everyone to come out and support small businesses and home parties,” said Bonville. “Who knows, you might be interested to sign up and become a consultant for one of the vendors.”
The Home & Small Business Trade Show will be held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. There is no admission. Ten foot by 10-foot booth spaces are still available for $60.
To reserve a space or for more information, call The Forum at 764-0491.
