The Orillia Spring Boat, Cottage, and Green Technology Show began today at the Port of Orillia.
“The exhibitors are pretty glad to be out here doing something,” says Doug Bunker, who helps organize events on behalf of the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce. “We are very pleased.”
He says a supply chain issue has impacted many of the usual vendors who set up at the annual event.
“A lot of the clothing vendors, we lost that way,” he said, “but we still have a lot of cottage gear, equipment, and e-technology vendors.”
While there are “63 diversified vendors” this weekend, the show lacks boats for sale.
“The inventory of boats is terrible,” Bunker said. “One of the local marinas has said that they have a bunch of boats lined up, but they are so busy doing delivery or getting caught up with all their service.”
He says the backlog of boat inventory has affected the marina industry and will continue to for a while. Despite the lack of boats, Bunker says people are ready to see the event back at the Port of Orillia.
“The anticipation was there,” he said. “I think this is a little bit of a get-out-and-enjoy kind of event.”
Sandra Schutt, owner of Love My Legs, has been a vendor at the show for about 10 years. She made the annual trip from Orangeville this year.
“There are a lot of people who come to this event,” she said. “For the three days, it’s going to be great.”
Schutt is selling leggings, capris, jeggings and shirts. She says the event was missed during the pandemic.
“We are really excited to get back out into the public,” she said. “Being able to talk to our customers instead of just interacting online is really helping.”
Hawkestone-based Whitewater Docks is another business that is frequently found at the annual event. Sales manager Bradley Poole says it gives him a chance to interact with potential customers.
However, Poole noticed the crowd was smaller than usual Friday afternoon.
“It’s going to take some time for everything to get back on track,” he said. “People are rusty.”
The show is open to the public and there is no admission fee. It runs today from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
