This past weekend, the Okotoks Chamber of Commerce held its annual Trade and Lifestyle Show, showcasing a wealth of local businesses. The event featured nearly 200 vendors and included the popular Okotoks Square Artisan Market.
Thousands flocked to the Okotoks Rec Centre for the show. However, attendance was a bit lower than normal, likely because the weather felt like summer—an enticing reason for many to enjoy the outdoors instead. Despite this, Executive Director Dawn LeMaistre expressed satisfaction with the turnout.
“We had over 4,000 people this year, which is down from our usual 5,500 to 7,000,” she said. “While numbers were lower, we saw a steady stream of visitors over both days. Vendors were happy with how things went, finding the pace both steady and consistent.”
The show featured local flavor, with about 90 percent of vendors hailing from the Foothills area or nearby Calgary. The commitment to local businesses was clear, as organizers made room for as many vendors as possible, even after reaching full capacity.
During the event, a food drive benefited the Okotoks Food Bank, collecting almost 300 pounds of food and over $400 in cash. This effort underlines the community spirit that events like this foster, bringing people together for a common cause.
Looking ahead, LeMaistre hinted at exciting changes for next year. “We want to shake things up a bit and create an all-around weekend community event,” she noted, eager to continue the partnership with Okotoks Market Square. “We’re excited about making 2026 even better.”
Mark your calendars! With Easter arriving early next year, the Trade and Lifestyle Show—and the Artisan Market—will take place on the weekend of April 18 and 19. It’s a great opportunity to support local businesses and enjoy everything our community has to offer.
In recent years, local events have grown increasingly important to bolster community ties. According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, small businesses account for 98% of all businesses in Canada, highlighting the significance of supporting local entrepreneurs. In a world where online shopping dominates, community events like this show how much value local markets bring to towns like Okotoks.
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