Spring is truly in the air, as the 37th annual Spring Trade Show is on this weekend in Lacombe.

With almost 150 vendors between the trade show and market place, this will be one of the largest Trade Shows in recent memory for Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Monica Bartman.

(Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Monica Bartman at the 2017 Spring Trade Show - photo courtesy Lacombe Chamber)

She says besides being a great place to get your favourite produce, it's a time for businesses and clients to reconnect, and gives costumers a chance to scope out the local marketplace in a lot of categories.

“There’s also homebuilders, there’s spas, there’s a hair salon, there’s car dealerships, home improvements, interior design, some of our non-profits in the community are represented as well, and then in the market place of course there is cash and carry businesses.”

Bartman says despite the economy's slow recovery, business still see the value in participating in events like this.

“For the last 3 years we have consistently sold out probably about 5 or 6 weeks ahead of time, so it’s something that’s very popular from the vendor perspective. Businesses are wanting to participate and it’s a good way to connect with the community, it’s great for new business, brand awareness, stuff like that.”

You also have a chance to talk to some of your local City officials through Coffee with Council, from 11:30am until 2pm on Saturday. Bartman says they’ve heard nothing but good things from these meetings from both council and the community at large.

Lacombe County is also hosting a District Ratepayer Meeting at the trade show, Reeve Paula Law and Deputy Reeve Ken Wigmore will be in attendance from 2-5 today and 10-4 tomorrow.

The Spring Trade Show starts today (April 20th) from 2pm until 8pm, and goes Saturday from 10am until 4pm at the Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex.