Trade show attracts crowds

Even an April Fool’s snowstorm couldn’t keep away more than 1,400 people from the two-day Southern Aroostook Trade Show held at the John Millar Civic Center in Houlton.
    According to Lori Weston, executive director of the Houlton Chamber of Commerce, last Friday offered a “window of opportunity” for exhibitors to move their products into the civic center before the actual heavy snow began to fall later in the afternoon.
“It did look questionable when the snow began to fall,” Weston said. “However, County folk are a rugged bunch and the snow didn’t stop the exhibitors or folks on the weekend from visiting the show.”
Weston said the weekend was a great success.
“We had one of our biggest shows to date,” she said. “With more than 45 exhibitors and a near record crowd, it was a bustling and busy weekend. The exhibitors reported sales and sale leads that exceeded last year, which is exactly what you want to happen at a trade show.”
The Houlton Chamber of Commerce also awarded the first ever Best of Show Award to Theriault Equipment for their display of product line and crowd appeal.
During each day of the Trade Show, a new attraction was held. On Saturday, a pizza contest was held with local pizzerias bringing in their best and specialty pizzas and on Sunday, a formal fashion and prom show was presented.
There were five pizzerias entered into the contest, with Dow’s Market winning the Best Pizza with their pepperoni and River Run Deli won the Specialty Pizza with their combination. The five judges critiqued the pizzas on their appearance — 20 points apiece for crust, cheese and toppings, along with impressive and visual appeal — and its taste — 20 points apiece for crust, sauce and toppings.
Other participants were T&S Market, Courtyard Café and Emily’s Qwik Stop.
On Sunday afternoon, the formal fashion and prom show drew a good crowd and was “very well received,” Weston said.
Local high school students modeled exquisite gowns from Tanning Plus and Specialty Boutique owned by Michelle Harvey. (To learn more about Tanning Plus and Specialty Boutique see the Business Page.)
“Just in time for the prom season,” Weston said.
Throughout the weekend, Fireman Fred kept the civic center filled with music, interviews with the exhibitors, announcing winners and helping local karaoke singers.
Among the new business exhibiting this year were the County Clownz.
“It was a fun place to visit for the children who attended the show,” Weston said. “Balloon hats, beautiful face paintings and just plain fun kept the wee folk entertained.”
The Trade Show is also the perfect forum to share information and elicit support for non-profit groups. Both Houlton and Hodgdon Project Graduation representatives were selling raffle tickets on merchandise, and the Girl Scouts had their cookies to purchase. The Aroostook County American Cancer Society “Relay for Life” was on hand, as were the folks from Aroostook Teen Leadership Camp, Weston noted.
“The Trade Show provides a wonderful avenue for exposure for groups who need to get their cause or name out to the public,” she said. “While the storm certainly scared us on Friday, it didn’t damper the enthusiasm that the exhibitors and patrons had for this year’s show. It will go down in our record books as one of best shows to date.”