The Bonfield Trade Show is entering its third year, so mark Saturday, April 5 on your calendars.
The annual event is hosted by the Bonfield Recreation and Fitness Committee, with the aim of supporting and showcasing local Bonfield businesses. Nicky Kunkel, Bonfield’s Chief Administrative Officer, told BayToday the show has been a hit, especially with vendors.
However, organizers are hoping this year more folks stop by. Kunkel noted, “We’ve had steady traffic, but we’d like to see more people attend.”
As for the vendors, those spaces sold out fast, Kunkel noted. For local businesses, there is a $25 fee to book a space at the show, but after the show, those vendors get that money back. The fee is the same for out-of-town businesses, however, the fee is not returned.
Of the 20 spaces available, all have sold out, with most going to home-grown Bonfield businesses.
Kunkel noted, “We might not have a downtown, but we have many businesses in Bonfield, and this is our way of showcasing them and giving them an opportunity to become more well-known within the community.”
See: Bonfield’s Business Trade show this Saturday
Bonfield does not have its own Chamber of Commerce, and events like this help increase connections within the area. Organizers also have a series of three workshops at the trade show to help those who may be thinking of starting their own business.
Kunkel added, “We want to get to know our local businesses, we want to build those relationships, because in small towns, this is what we do. We have work together.”
The Bonfield Trade Show takes place at the Bonfield Community Centre at 100 Younge Street, Bonfield. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 5, and the event is free for all. For those who want to take in any of the three workshops or presentations, those are free as well.
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.