Local trade show Saturday and Sunday

By Gloria Austin  
Staff Writer
    This weekend’s Southern Aroostook Trade Show at the Millar Civic Center in Houlton is a family event offering something for everyone.
    Today, many people are looking for answers to a variety of questions. They can find solutions to alternative energy questions— the theme of this year’s event — including hybrid transportation, home heating methods and much more.
    Houlton Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the annual event, which Lori Weston, executive director of the chamber, says is one of the biggest shows in recent history.
    “We have an additional section added to the trade show event,” she said. “We are full, and we have a variety of businesses that will interest anyone who may come through the doors.”
    There are plenty of new exhibits, such as Engravables, a wine-making venture; Gene’s Satellite from Madawaska, Maine Solar of Fort Kent, Bed and Biscuit, Amity Professional Services, PDQ Doors, Maine Wilderness Foundation, ReMax, Matt Oliver of Haynesville Wood Heat, Northern Refrigeration, along with old favorites, including The Lighthouse, Tidd’s Sport Shop, Aroostook Milling, Peabody Lawn and Leisure, R.C. Logging, MPG, Houlton Power Sports, Northern Maine Development Corporation, Scot Walker of First Choice Realty, County Girl Fitness, Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum, York’s of Houlton, Midnight Auto, S.W. Collins and Aroostook County Action Program.
    Others on hand will be the Houlton/Hodgdon Project Graduation members, Health Services Foundation, WHOU and Houlton Pioneer Times. After a year’s absence, McGuire Motor Sports is back in the lineup, as well.
    “This year is also an expanded camper show for Ben Adams [Houlton Power Sports],” said Weston. “It is really a diverse group of businesses.”
    With the focus on energy sources, among the resources at the trade show will be Harbison Plumbing and Heating and Geothermal Maine.
    Harbisons will display their Bison hand pump, an outdoor gasification wood boiler which meets all EPA standards, as well as a pellet boiler and pellet warm air furnace, a high energy efficiency System 2000 boiler, as well as a small display on solar domestic hot water heating.
    “We will also be talking about the Acadia air source heat pump and the Nordic geothermal heat pump,” said Dave Harbison, owner of Harbison Plumbing and Heating.
    Harbisons work with Geothermal Maine and both booths are located together for easier access for potential customers.
    After taking a year off, Harbison, who has displayed exhibits at plenty of trade shows, knows the importance of being at the annual event.
    “It’s fun to engage in conversation with people who are just out for a social time or some who are serious about the product,” he said. “Others may be curious about what is available, so it is fun to educate people so they get a better understanding of what is out there.”
    With so many new items on the market, Harbison is excited about the possibilities.
    “We want to promote alternative energies,” he explained. “It’s our passion and it should be every responsible citizen’s concern.”
    Throughout the weekend, lectures will also be given on renewable energy sources. There will be drawings, raffles, the ever popular “Cash Cube,” Tim  “the Tune Man” Humphrey will keep the music flowing,  the all girl kazoo band brought back by popular demand, and hourly attractions.  Concessions will also be available.
    With all of the recent economic distress, Weston said it seemed like an opportune time to talk about other resources available.
    “People can get questions answered or even listen to a lecture on something they have been wondering about,” Weston said. “I’m looking forward to seeing a record crowd. I think business people this year are understanding that a trade show is a perfect opportunity to meet potential customers face-to-face.”
    The trade show will run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Cost is $3, with a $1 off coupon in the Houlton Pioneer Times.