The South Cariboo Rec Centre is gearing up for a full house for the inaugural South Cariboo Outdoor and Recreation Show this weekend.
Taking place at the South Cariboo Rec Centre from April 25 to 26, this event is modelled on the success of the rec centre's popular South Cariboo Women's Fair. Shelly Morton, the centre's events coordinator, said she has just over 40 different businesses, associations and community groups signed up for the trade show-style showcase of South Cariboo sports and outdoor events.
"It has come together really good. We have over 42 vendors now and we also have our food truck vendors coming. We're hoping to get a lot of people coming out and realising what we have in the South Cariboo," Morton remarked. "Some of our resorts are attending and some of our small businesses. We also have specific clubs coming, like minor hockey and the Wranglers. I think it's a great bunch of vendors. We really appreciate their support and that they understand the importance of the event."
Earlier this spring, Morton invited resorts, businesses providing an outdoor recreation experience, outdoor recreation-focused clubs and sporting associations to come to the show and set up a booth to advertise what they do. She noted that the rec centre has been asked several times over the years to organise an outdoor show.
Morton noted that while they're aiming for the success of the South Cariboo Women's Fair, which has 72 vendors registered this year, it's not going to be a copy of the fair. There will be no special events or scheduled entertainment, Morton said, as they are going for more of a trades show approach. However, that doesn't mean there won't be activities for children and adults to take part in.
"It's a very Cariboo feel. You just come in and chat with people and see what they have to offer. I believe the (South Cariboo Pickleball Club) is selling ducks for their duck race, so some clubs might use it as a bit of a fundraiser. They are also going to have a pickleball net set up so people can give it a little bit of a try," Morton remarked. "I know the fly fishing club wants to do something interactive, Cariboo Bladed Combat wants to have a little space for (a demonstration) and the 100 Mile and District Outriders want to bring their roping bull in. So there is going to be some interactive stuff, so I think it will be fun for the kids."
Other big attractions include 100 Mile Horsepower Ranch, which will be bringing one of their mud racing trucks to display and Mount Timothy Ski and Recreation Resort, which will be showcasing their new summer activities. Morton said Williams Lake's Spectra Motorsports will be coming down with a selection of dirtbikes and quads, while the 108 ATV Club and B.C. Conservation Officers will be setting up information booths.
In addition to the action inside the rec centre, outside, Morton said that several food truck vendors will be set up to provide hungry attendees a bite to eat. They include Molly's Fish and Chips, the Summertime Bistro Bus and Chilcotin Chills, while the arena's concession will also be open.
"We're up to 42 vendors now, and all of them are exciting and great vendors who provide services to our community. There are recreation opportunities in the South Cariboo that a lot of us don't even know about and a lot of new people are coming to town, moving to town or want to see what's happening in town and what these organisations have to offer," Morton remarked. "Come and see what these vendors, clubs and organisations have to offer, it might be the perfect thing for you to get out and about. There are volunteer opportunities as well, so if you want to get out and start helping your community, maybe these are the people you want to touch base with."
The show will run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. There will be no fee to enter the show to encourage the public to attend.
"We just hope to see everyone from the community out. To have events takes a lot of planning and it's really a great feeling when it's successful and we get the numbers in the door," Morton said.
