By David F. Rooney
The Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Expo, which shone a spotlight on 28 local businesses, was held at a terrific location — the Hillcrest Hotel. But warm spring sunshine was likely one of the factors that tempted a lot of people to stay away from the event on Sunday, May 25.
One deterrent to the overall success of this event may also have been its location. I think it was a great place for a small trade show and so did the vendors. But although anyone who has ever lived in a big city would never think the hotel was at all far out of town, some locals likely thought its two- or three-kilometres distance was too far. In the years when the Revelstoke Theatre Company held their performances up on Mount MacKenzie that same it’s-too-far-to-drive attitude often kept local thespians from experiencing the kind of box-office success they now enjoy because they produce their plays downtown.
Still, the show proved to be productive for some of the participating businesses and it certainly was a much more attractive venue than the Forum where the past such shows were previously held. The local also prompted many show-goers to stay on to enjoy a fantastic brunch prepared by hotel chefs.
“You just don’t know what will come of something like this,” said Vicki Hemmingson of VH Design, a local interior design firm.
About 100 people wandered amongst the booths set up by people like Hemmingson and Amy Flexman of Flexpeditions, which promotes outdoor events and activities.
Here is a selection of images from the show:
![The Chamber of Commerce's Spring Expo was held at the Hillcrest Hotel on Sunday, May 25. About 28 local vendors showed their wares and services to a small crowd of attendees. David F. Rooney photo](https://legacy.revelstokecurrent.com//wp-content/uploads/2014/05/online-spring-expo-01.jpg)
![Local potter Jacqueline Palmer displayed her lovely pottery. She has a new website to market her creations. You can visit it at www.vistige.ca. David F. Rooney photo](https://legacy.revelstokecurrent.com//wp-content/uploads/2014/05/online-spring-expo-02.jpg)
You can learn more about Jacqueline’s work at www.vistige.ca.
![Chris Bostock (right) and his assistant Cathie Thacker talk with a potential customer for the Revelstoke branch of their investing and financial service business, Edward Jones. David F. Rooney photo](https://legacy.revelstokecurrent.com//wp-content/uploads/2014/05/online-spring-expo-03.jpg)
You can learn more about Edward Jones at www.edwardjones.com.
![Vicki Hemingson (right) of VH design talks about interior decorating with a curious attendee at the Chamber of Commerce's Spring Expo on Sunday. David F. Rooney photo](https://legacy.revelstokecurrent.com//wp-content/uploads/2014/05/online-spring-expo-04.jpg)
You can learn more about Vicki Hemmingson’s business at www.vhdesign.ca.
![Carl and Linda Rankin talk with Beth Purser about the services she provides through Beth Purser Massage. David F. Rooney photo](https://legacy.revelstokecurrent.com//wp-content/uploads/2014/05/online-spring-expo-05.jpg)
You can learn more about Beth Purser’s business at www.bethpursermassage.com.
![Nicole Cherlet (left) and her husband Glen (center, in the red shirt) of Big Mountain Kitchen & Linen talk with prospective clients at Spring Expo. David F. Rooney photo](https://legacy.revelstokecurrent.com//wp-content/uploads/2014/05/online-spring-expo-06.jpg)
Find out more at bigmountain.kitchen.
![Ashley Sumner of Repose Massage & Day Spa shows off her display of products and services. David F. Rooney photo](https://legacy.revelstokecurrent.com//wp-content/uploads/2014/05/online-spring-expo-07.jpg)
Discover more at www.reposedayspa.ca.