The Snow Lake Chamber of Commerce’s annual trade show took place May 2-3 in the Wilfred T. Lipton and from all indications it was a roaring success.
The chamber’s president, Gerard Lamontagne, stated the event hosted 20 vendors (two others couldn’t make it) who catered to over 200 people on the Tuesday and close to 150 the following day.
In a venue that offered the chamber’s version of soup to nuts, those stationed on the arena floor offered up everything from popcorn to trucks! There were local retailers and other such entities, as well as those from the region, and some from as far away as Calgary.
One of them was a fellow named Jim who was with a company called RedFern Enterprises. Jim is from Saskatoon, but RedFern is headquartered out of Calgary. They sell bamboo pillows, venturi showerheads, two types of infrared heaters, micro mist pods, aromatherapy balls, air purifiers, humidifiers, small vacuums, three-in-one massagers, aluminum charging cables and … kitchen sinks. He was just kidding on that last one, but their inventory is vast and their booth on the main floor seemed busy. Jim and his company cohorts travel strictly to exhibitions, trade shows, mall circuits and home shows. Used to those much bigger shows, he said that there hadn’t been an overabundance of people through, but generally local folks had been pretty responsive. Jim added that they love coming to Snow Lake, saying that it is perfect for them when they are in between shows in the larger northern communities. “Staying at the Wekusko Falls cabins is a real treat, as well.”
Another gent is a fellow many from Snow Lake know personally, Trevor Blake of Northland Leisure Products in The Pas. Blake says that the Snow Lake show is the only one he does on the circuit … he cites both Snow Lake and Gerard Lamontagne as influences on his attendance. “I have done very well here over the years,” said Blake. “I have been coming to the community for over 18 years, not just with trade shows, but at different venues.” Blake sells ATVs, side-by-sides, argos, pontoon boats, fishing boats, snowmobiles, lawn and garden, clothing and winter wear. “We have customers in Snow Lake for all of those products … and a very good following.” Blake says he doesn’t come down with the premise of selling, but one of supporting the Chamber of Commerce. Nevertheless, he advised that he had already sold two pontoon boats. Blake added that he also sponsors some of the SnoDrifter events in the community. “Great group, and all volunteers, so we’re happy to help.”
The Snow Lake show is held yearly on two weekdays in between the Flin Flon and Thompson trade shows. “This normally determines the placement of the Snow Lake show,” said Lamontagne who was impressed with the turnout of locals. “The vendors are super happy, lots of stuff being sold… big ticket as well as small ticket items,” said the chamber president.
Lamontagne explained that the chamber did a couple of different things for the vendors this year. “There was a free continental breakfast each morning,” he said. “This was well received, as most of the vendors are in the arena early, but the canteen isn’t open. We also did our annual ‘vendor blender’ which is a barbecue get together after the first night’s show. This allows the venders to visit a bit, as most of them don’t get to see one another on the floor during the day.” Lamontagne says that the vendors enjoy coming to Snow Lake because of the little extra things that they do for them. “Because our population is a little lower, we try to make it worth their while.”
Also of note, the 2017 Provincial Mine Rescue Competition was held at Lalor Mine on the weekend of May 12 -13. Five teams took part: Hudbay Snow Lake, Klondex Mines, Hudbay Flin Flon, Vale Manitoba Operations and Tanco. The results were: winner - Hudbay Flin Flon; runner-up - Hudbay Snow Lake; technician - Simon Nolan, Tanco; firefighting competition winner – Vale; practical skills winner – captain Todd Yuskow, Vale (the practical skills team had members from each of the five competing teams); First Aid award - Hudbay Flin Flon; written exam award - Hudbay Flin Flon.
