The Cochrane Chamber Trade Show will be celebrating a huge milestone this year.

Bill Popplewell, Outgoing President for the Cochrane and District Chamber of Commerce shares as they were looking back over the years they realized that the first ever trade show in Cochrane was held in 1979. Remembering the ol' days when the trade show was held in the Cochrane Arena, Popplewell is proud of its success over the past 40 years. "There will be lots of information, and I think it will be another really great trade show. When we look around the country, this is still one of the best set up and best-attended trade shows. The suppliers that come in to buy booths keep coming back."

The two-day trade show running on May 4th and May 5th at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre will have a little something for everyone, shares Popplewell. From car dealerships to flooring experts to outdoor landscapers, there is no business too big nor too small to participate. "I think it will be a great trade show again. I think it clearly helps highlight a number of our businesses, even the small businesses or home-based businesses. They get an opportunity for somewhere around 2800 people to come and see what they offer over two days, and there is something for everyone."

One of the hugest advantages the Cochrane Trade Show provides says, Popplewell is the opportunity for both businesses and non-profit organizations to meet with the public face to face. "Think of how many days it would take you if you wanted to go see even ten of those businesses?! Nearly five days, because if you really wanted to go and find out what they're doing you would spend a couple of hours and you could easily spend the good part of a day doing that. Where at the trade show, you have all these businesses and all these groups, and it is very cost effective."

Costs for adults to enter the trade show are $2 for an adult, ages 12 and under are free, and if a family has up to 6 people it is $5; proceeds from the show go to support a couple of community initiatives. "The monies from the door go to sponsor a high school scholarship at each of the three high schools, and out of that we also do a donation to the Activettes and probably a donation to the Boys and Girls Club. What is collected at the gate goes right back into the community."

The trade show will once again feature a Town of Cochrane pavilion as well as a kids zone ran by the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area which will feature a petting zoo, face painter, and other activities.

While there are a few spaces left, Popplewell suggests if interested, contact the Chamber quickly as the event generally sells out around 145 booths. If you would like more information on the Cochrane Chamber Trade Show or to secure a spot, go HERE.