MADAWASKA, Maine — The St. John Valley Chamber of Commerce is gearing up to host the 30th annual Top O’Maine Trade Show at the Madawaska Multi Purpose building April 27 and 28.
Chamber of Commerce Director Jenn Collin said there are quite a few vendors who are returning to join local crafters for a total of more than 70 exhibitors, including Nutritious Skin, Happy Tails Bakery, Northern Airwaves, P.D.Q. Door, and MadTown Clothing, just to name a few.
“We have a great lineup of vendors this year including a special appearance on Saturday only by Amish crafters from the Fort Fairfield area,” Collin said.
The trade show will also feature booths from non-profit organizations like PAWs, which will bring some furry friends; Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, who will sell their famous beef sticks and coupon books; and the Greater Grand Isle Historical Society, which will feature bits of history from the area.
Visitors to the trade show will not have to travel far for great food and refreshments with food vendors such as Misty Meadows serving chicken stew, the American Legion Auxiliary providing ployes, MEAgri-Women-Maine Potato Board selling poutine, St. John Valley Mustangs cooking up burgers, doughboys, and hot dogs, and the Madawaska Elementary PTA serving pizza, popcorn, nachos, and baked goods. Tim Horton’s is also donating free coffee.
Organizers also are raffling off items over the weekend, including a $500 door prize donated by NorState, and a gun from Daigle’s Sport Center. There will also be free face painting for all done by Micheline Clavette, Collins said.
Daigle Oil is bringing in heaters for the venue while Lajoie Memorials and Laser Works is covering the cost for the oil.
With a few booths still available, anyone interested in signing up should contact the St. John Valley Chamber of Commerce for an event contract by emailing info@StJohnValleyChamber.org or visiting the Chamber website.
The trade show will take place from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 27, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 28, at the Madawaska Multi-Purpose Center on 7th Avenue.
Admission costs $3 for adults and $2 for children ages 12-17, and is free to youngsters 11 and under.
The chamber uses funds raised from the trade show to pay for operational expenses.
“This is a great community event that brings in visitors to the Valley,” Collin said. “It gives tourists a taste of the Top O’Maine all in one location.”
For more information about the 30th Annual Top O’ Maine Trade Show, call the St. John Valley Chamber of Commerce office at 207 728-7000.
