The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
A spring tradition hit a milestone last week as CFAR's annual Trade and Leisure Show marked its 30th anniversary. 'It's definitely become a community event,' says CFAR manager Dianne O'Brien. 'And it's open to everyone. It's one of the reasons we never charge at the door. We just like it to be a place that, no matter who you are, you can come.' Nearly 70 vendors were on hand for this year's installment, held last Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Creighton Sportex. They sold a variety of wares, from hot tubs, kitchen knives and boats to purses, unique furniture and handmade soaps. Other booths were more informative in nature, touting the different services available in the community. Illustrating just how popular the Trade and Leisure Show has become, O'Brien estimates some 3,000 people _ on par with years past _ passed through the doors. And there was no problem finding interested vendors, about half of whom came from out of town. 'It sold out really quickly, which is always very exciting,' O'Brien says. 'The weather cooperated with us...(and) everyone was very happy there. We had lots of traffic, we had some new things that we haven't had before and we had some old favourites.' Those old favourites included the fudge booth, which satisfied many a sweet tooth, and some deliciously crunchy kettle corn sold in tube-shaped bags. Newer booths offered items like attractive (and surprisingly comfy) cedar furniture as well as meat packs. O'Brien says it's great to have out-of-town businesses showcase products residents don't normally see, as well as local businesses promoting what they have to offer. CFAR's Trade and Leisure Show has been held each year since 1984, starting at the Whitney Forum before shifting to the Sportex. Since half of the Sportex is now leased to Creighton Community School, the show has scaled down in size in recent years. But after three decades, enthusiasm for the show hasn't waned one bit.
