The Airdrie Home and Lifestyle Show wrapped up its 40th year of bringing business and community together April 29 and 30 at Genesis Place Recreation Centre.
Ashley Frame, membership services and events manager with the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce, said they found attendance was on the rise this year, though final numbers had not been calculated as of press time.
“(That’s) a reflection of the improving economy,” she said. “There was definitely optimism in the air. People came to shop and discover the programs and services offered in Airdrie.”
Frame is new to Airdrie and said this event marked the first time she was involved with the Airdrie Home and Lifestyle Show.
She said it was “amazing” to be part of a show that not only showcases local businesses but also facilitates essential face-to-face interactions with the public.
“It’s absolutely amazing to have such a sense of community here in Airdrie,” Frame said. “Everyone really does come together…to make this event happen (and) I’m very proud to be a part of that.”
Airdrie Puppy Pals, a locally owned dog care company, has featured a booth with a fleet of lovable dogs at Airdrie Home and Lifestyle Show for the past three years.
The show is an opportunity to introduce the company to those who don’t know it and is also a great tool to promote its newest venture into dog training to longtime patrons, said owner Nikki Nordick.
“We’re getting a lot of questions about behaviour, classes and consultations,” she said.
For a non-profit organization such as the Airdrie Food Bank (AFB), the Home and Lifestyle Show is an opportunity to introduce the public to its skill building programs extending beyond emergency-only support, according to AFB community kitchen co-ordinator Meghan West.
With social media marketing taking over many initial interactions businesses and organizations have with the public, the Home and Lifestyle Show facilitates that traditional handshake introduction, she said.
“It’s a way to really meet people face-to-face,” she said. “Being able to give them the information they are looking for immediately is really helpful.”
The Airdrie Home and Lifestyle show began as a seed fair in 1977 but has continued to adapt through the years to remain relevant, Frame said.
“Every year it seems like we’re improving,” she said. “We’re listening not only to businesses but also to the people of Airdrie.”
As always, the Home and Lifestyle show had more interest than tables available, Frame said.
She urged businesses and organizations interested in being a part of the 2018 Airdrie Home and Lifestyle Show to watch for registration package information to be updated in October on the event’s website, airdriehomeshow.ca
“If we had the means to include everybody who wanted to participate in this show, we absolutely would,” Frame said.
[“Source-airdriecityview”]
