Officials in Charlotte County are preparing and planning for their first recreation and home show in St. Stephen.
More than 50 local exhibits have already registered for the show, which will take place at the Garcelon Civic Centre during the May long weekend.
Events Coordinator Michelle Vest said local real estate businesses, food vendors, learning centers, craftspeople and outfitters will be in attendance to play a part in New Brunswick’s five-year strategic plan.
“Especially with the recreation has that kind of allies with Explore N.B. tourism incentive that’ll be going on in the next five years. They’re moving away from the Bay of Fundy and encouraging more local and eco-friendly tourism,” said Vest.
Patty Anderson, reception and hospitality attendant for the Municipal District of St. Stephen, said the local Kiwanis Chapter held their trade show at the Border Arena for several years before the civic centre was built.
However, due to COVID-19, the opportunity to run the trade show wasn’t feasible for them any longer, she said.
Vest added that the number of attendees had dwindled over the years due to seeing the same vendors at the St. Stephen Farmers’ Market. She decided the trade show needed to be revamped completely.
“We’re having a small section of the rec show called ‘A Taste of Home’ and that’s just going to pay homage to the current vendors that have been coming to the trade show, but those numbers have been dwindling over the past few years so we are taking all of the rest of space that we have and we went for a more home recreation direction,” said Vest.
Officials estimate more than 2,000 visitors will attend the home show on May 3 and 4.
Registration for vendors is open until April 22. More information can be found by clicking here.
