The Smithers Arena’s will play host to the annual Northwest Trade Expo this year.
Doors open at 3 pm this afternoon and things will run until 9 pm. Tomorrow, the show continues from 10 am to 6 pm.
Smithers District Chamber of Commerce Manager Heather Gallagher says she is pleased to bring this event to the community each year.
“We’ll have both arenas full and we’re excited to showcase a larger event. We have over 60 exhibitors, a car show, and then also an RV show. There is something for everyone.”
So what makes this year’s Northwest Trade Expo any better than last? Gallagher explains.
“I know what everyone’s thinking and no this is not just another Trade Expo. Every year they are a little bit different. Exhibitors will change, there’s new information, new entertainment and we always try to find a new flavor for the event. This year we’re adding some virtual reality and an escape room so people will certainly have to give that a shot.”
The economic impact of hosting such an event in the community is huge and Gallagher doesn’t want that to be forgotten about.
“Typically around 3,000 people make their way through the gates on an annual basis. Any time people are out and about, it offers a rare interaction which is good for businesses. There are people who come to town specifically for this event, so imagine them spending money downtown and in restaurants. The economic impacts stem much further than the expo itself.”
There will also be a showcasing of local talent as well. This year’s entertainment will try to steal the show almost every half hour for the next two days.
FRIDAYÂ – May 4
- Cheryl Hofweber – guitarist/vocalist – 4:00 PM
- Ted and Jim – guitarists/vocalist – 5:00 PM
- Moon Dogs – guitarists/vocalists – 5:30 PM
- Ralph Slaughter and Reckless Mountain – band – 6:00 PM
- Broadway Music Students – piano students – 6:30 PM
- Broadway Music Students – piano students – 7:00 PM
- Tony Harris – guitarist/vocalist – 7:30 PM
- Damn Beavers – guitarists/vocalists – 8:00 PM
- Kristina Willing – guitarist/vocalist – 8:30 PM
SATURDAYÂ – May 5
- Hannah Pow – acoustics – 12 Noon
- Damn Beavers – guitarists/vocalists duo – 12:30 PM
- Broadway Music Studets – piano students – 1:00 PM
- Hank Sinatra Band – country/pop group – 2:00 PM
- Hank Sinatra Band – country/pop group – 2:30 PM
- Whiskey Rose – Jazz group – 3:00 PM
- Ted and Jim – guitarists/vocalists – 3:30 PM
- Dale Simpson – guitarist/vocalist – 4:00 PM
- Moon Dogs – guitarists/vocalists – 4:30 PM
- Ralph Slaughter and Reckless Mountain – band – 5:00 PM