This week’s column highlights three Snow Lake events, two of which have already taken place; the third will take place next week.
First off, at the wane of April and outset of May, the Wilfred T. Lipton Arena was a hive of activity when the fifth-annual Snow Lake Chamber of Commerce trade show was held in the venue. Chamber treasurer Jill Arpin advised that the April 30-May 1 affair may have been the chamber’s most successful yet. “We had 24 vendors (two last-minute cancellations) occupying 47 of our 10-foot by 10-foot booths in the Wilfred T. Lipton Arena,” said Arpin, noting the merchants filled the arena floor to capacity.
With items ranging from furniture, bikes and ATVs to BB guns, pontoon boats, and sunrooms, a steady stream of people moved in and about the location. If folks tired or got hungry out on the floor, there was plenty of seating in the arena rotunda … with vendors selling sweets and nuts and a more complete menu at the minor hockey concession. The event also boasted a penny parade that ran the width of the building and was stocked with items provided by the trade show’s participants.
Speaking about the show, Ms. Arpin advised that the first day was busy. “We saw a large influx in people visiting and ‘spending’ at the tradeshow,” she said. “Approximately 300 people attended the first day; our highest attendance to date. The second day petered off, which I can only assume is because we saw more the day before. All vendors were very happy with the turnout and wish to return next year.”
After all the hard work of organizing, setting up, and operating the show, chamber members had nothing but thanks for those who attended and made purchases at the tradeshow. They also expressed gratitude for the many who donated to the event, the volunteers who helped out in many areas, and the vendors who took part. “I can't wait until next year,” said Arpin.
The second event was the Ducks Unlimited Canada supper and auction, which was held the evening of May 4 in the Lawrie Marsh Community Hall. “It was an amazing night,” is how one of the organizers, Rowena Herana, described it. “Full of fun, laughs and generally a great time gathering together for one night raising funds for wetland conservation.”
One hundred and fifty attendees were out for the occasion that featured a live auction, silent auction, and eight raffles, which included some interactive games. The auctions were held under the hammer of DUC auctioneer Mike Melnychuck and the prime rib meal was prepared and served up by the capable hands of the local Legion Ladies.
Ms. Herana advised that approximately, $20,000 was raised through the auction and 66 pieces were won by guests. She noted that the affair couldn’t have been as successful as it was without community, sponsorship, and donor support.
“Ducks Unlimited Canada will be spending $1.6 million in the boreal area (Northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan) over the next couple of years which includes research on carbon sequestration, effects on climate change, nesting areas and the like,” Herana added. “Which adds up to a lot more than we have raised. This also includes the youth education that was brought up to Snow Lake and more that we can look at in the near future.”
The third local happening is the Snow Lake Health Expo, which is being held from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on May 16 at the Lawrie Marsh Community Hall.
The community notices for the occasion state the event is being held under the auspices of the Snow Lake Health North Committee (SLHNC), with the support from the Town of Snow Lake. It will be held free of charge and offers the opportunity for residents to interact with local service providers. The SLHNC feel the day will provide a chance for businesses and individuals to showcase mental health and wellness services to community members.
“In order to encourage conversation and interaction, there will be a ‘passport’ for all community members who participate,” a notice on the event advised. “We know that mental wellness is connected to every part of our body, mind and spirit and this year's expo will have a mental health and wellness theme.” The organizers have asked that participating providers focus on ways their services contribute to mental health and wellness.
