Trade Show is smashing hit

    The annual Southern Aroostook Trade Show opened its doors to roughly 1,100 people, who strolled through the Millar Civic Center and visited with exhibitors last weekend.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Gloria Austin
TRACTOR TRYOUT – Tyler Thomas tries out a John Deere lawn tractor at the Southern Aroostook Trade Show held last weekend at the Millar Civic Center. Roughly 1,100 people visited the exhibitors during the two-day event.
    “Even though our numbers were down a little, it was still a very successful show,” said Lori Weston, Houlton Chamber of Commerce executive director. “I believe the exhibitors did very well with getting new contacts and making sales.”
    Last year, a record crowd of 1,400 filed into the civic center.
    People were able to check out a variety of products and ask questions of retailers who are knowledgeable in their items.
    At the show were recreational vehicles, campers and ATVS, lawn tractors, and cars, along with tools, portable saws, and other equipment, as well as garage doors, windows and outdoor wood boilers. There was a piñata booth, bath and kitchen displays, as well as agricultural goods and pellet stoves.
Contributed photo/Isaac Brown
SHOP TALK — Tom Duff, left, and his father Carl Duff, right, speak with a patron during Sunday’s portion of the Southern Aroostook Trade Show.
    There were several informational booths for social services and veterans. Other booths included the teen leadership camp, healthy families, North Country Cruisers, Oakfield Railroad Museum, Bangor Daily News, WHOU-FM to Dish Network, real estate opportunities, custom embroidery, professional services, ATV club information and higher education information.
    Throughout both days the crowd participated in raffle drawings that included incredible gifts. Local groups such as Houlton and Hodgdon Project Graduation committees, the Girls Scouts, the Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum and other non-profit groups sold tickets on numerous prizes. The sales of the raffle tickets helped many groups with their fund-raising efforts.
    “If you missed out on the opportunity to showcase your business this time, make a plan to reserve your space early next year,” said Weston. “The trade show provides the perfect avenue to show your products and meet potential customers face to face.”