MADAWASKA, Maine — The Top O’Maine Trade Show is coming to Madawaska later this month, with businesses attending from Maine, Canada and even as far out as North Carolina.
The trade show, which is considered the biggest of its kind north of Bangor, is coming to the town’s Multi-Purpose Building on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on April 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Several businesses, organizations and nonprofits are set to appear at the trade show. As of April 1, about 117 booths have been reserved; however, some registrants will use multiple booths.
Jessica Blalock, executive director of the St. John Valley Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, said that the show will feature a diverse enough variety of offerings for all guests.
She said Acadian Mobile Tire Shop will be launching their new business at the show, Priority Auto & Tractor will bring tractors to the show, American Sleep Therapy will bring beds and massage chairs, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection will be recruiting new members.
“There’s a little bit for everyone,” she said.
And while the show will include businesses from throughout Aroostook County, some of them, like Saf-Gard Safety Shoe Company, will be coming all the way from Greensboro, North Carolina. Other distant guests include Runa Market, a gift shop based in South Portland, as well as Eko Nature Glamping from Lac Baker, New Brunswick.
The trade show will also feature a kids’ raffle and a vote for the best booth, with the winner getting half-off the next year’s booth cost.
Based on feedback from last year, the show will have a wider array of local food vendors, including Gotta Coffee, Cou-yon’s Cajun Shack, the American Legion Auxiliary, Ruby Reds Cuisine and Valley Mustangs. Offerings will range from Mexican and Cajun meals, soups, ployes, popcorn, hot dogs, hamburgers, wraps and fries.
Blalock said the event has grown and expanded over the years, with the show utilizing nearly every square inch of the town’s multi-purpose building.
Leading up to the show, Blalock has handled organization and setting up vendors with booths. And as the event gets closer, several organizations will help set up.
NorState Federal Credit Union will help set up the booths, with poles and curtains. The chamber board will also help organize throughout the weekend. The Madawaska Rec Department will also help set up, as it is responsible for the multi-purpose building. The Madawaska Public Works Department will also help set up signs on Main Street.
Any vendors interested in registering can obtain a form via the chamber’s website, at its Main Street office or by calling 207-728-7000.
