NIPAWIN — Looking to enhance the local tourism industry, the Nipawin Chamber of Commerce held its first sport and leisure show.
Marlon Zacharias, the president of the chamber, said a couple of his board members suggested the idea when they were looking for a new fundraiser. They took the idea under their wing and made plans to see if it would be viable.
“We just continued on with it and everybody’s really happy with the idea and everything was falling together, so we went forward and it’s turned into a really great show.”
Brian Blomquist, the manager of the Nipawin branch of Pines Power Sports Marine, said when they heard the chamber was hosting a show specifically for their industry, they wanted to take part.
“We’re excited to be here and we’ve got lots of nice product, summer and winter, so no matter who you are or what you like to do, we can get you fixed up,” the Can-Am, Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo and Evinrude dealer said.
Blomquist, who was one of 22 vendors at the show, which took place at the Evergreen, said they also wanted to take part so they could be a part of the community.
The manager said he’s worked at lots of shows like this and he was happy.
“It’s been a good turnout. There’s been a lot of interest.”
Zacharias said other vendors have told them they are happy.
“We definitely have the idea that we’ll hold another sport and leisure show next year. We’re looking to make it bigger,” he said. “We’ve already heard some of the vendors want more space for next year so we’ll be expanding into the auditorium with some extra vendors, bringing in some more RVs, more boats and a few other things too.”
The chamber president acknowledged the work of his board, the vendors and the people that decided to check the show out.
“It’s going to be a great thing to have in Nipawin and it’s going to be great for tourism as well.”
