The annual Okotoks Chamber of Commerce's Trade and Lifestyle show brought dozens of local businesses together over the weekend.
Not only were there almost 200 vendors, but the Okotoks Square Artisan Market was also part of the weekend festivities again this year.
Thousands of people poured into the Okotoks Rec Centre for the annual event, however, attendance was a bit down compared to previous years due to the 'summer-like' weather the Foothills experienced. It was the first real summer-like weekend of the year, and many people were busy enjoying it.
Executive Director Dawn LeMaistre was thrilled with the support right across both days, considering the gorgeous weather.
"We had great attendance. We had over 4,000 through the show this year. You know, traditionally we're anywhere between 5,500 and 7,000. Even though our attendance was lower, it was a consistent flow throughout the full two days. The vendors were all super pleased with how the show went and felt like it was steady and consistent."
LeMaistre said they squeezed as many local vendors in as possible, even after they were sold out, adding that about 90 per cent of the vendors were from the Foothills or just in Calgary.
There was also a food drive for the Okotoks Food Bank over the last few hours of the show on Sunday. It brought in almost 300 pounds of food and just over $400 in cash.
The Okotoks Chamber of Commerce and Okotoks Market Square are already planning on making the event bigger and better next year.
"I think we're going to shake it up a little bit next year, and you know, we might be looking to pivot it to an all-around weekend community event that helps to support our local businesses as much as we can. We're excited to continue the partnership with Okotoks Market Square and knock it out of the park with them again in 2026."
Next year, Easter comes early on the weekend of April 3 - 5, so the Trade and Lifestyle Show with the Artisan Market falls on the weekend of April 18 and 19.