The Orillia District Chamber of Commerce is back in full swing with its full slate of events this summer.
The next major event on the calendar is the Spring Boat, Cottage, and Green Technology Show at the Port of Orillia on June 10, 11, and 12. The chamber is hoping to get local businesses involved to sell their goods at the event and other events this summer.
“We want to keep promoting shop local,” explains Doug Bunker, who helps organize the events on behalf of the ODCC. “We thought why not see if local businesses wanted to get involved.”
After a couple of rough years for local businesses, Bunker says now is the time to cash in on the opportunity of promoting business once again.
“People are getting antsy to get back out,” he said. “Things are starting to open up, and bringing people back is what we need. Let’s start doing business again.”
The boat show was one of the most missed events during the pandemic. Bunker says community members and tourists alike enjoy seeing the vendors, the products, and just being at the waterfront.
“We have a beautiful waterfront,” Bunker said. “A lot of the exhibitors feel like they are at the cottage for the weekend instead of working.”
The boat show also gives people trying to sell their boat a chance to meet with potential buyers.
“A lot of marinas don’t like a lot of people coming in who aren't a part of that marina,” Bunker said. “This is a three-day show where you are guaranteed to have a few hundred people by and can look at your boat.”
The 32-year-old festival has some new elements to it this year. Sustainable Orillia has teamed up with the chamber to feature green energy products at the show.
“We are trying to promote that it’s up and coming,” Bunker said. “Sooner or later electrical devices will be a little more common on the roads, for equipment, and outdoor recreation.”
Applications for exhibitor spots are available here. ODCC members get 25% off their booking.
