The fifth annual AirdrieFest is gearing up and is looking for local non-profit organizations and businesses that would like to take part of the Sept. 6 event to be held outside City Hall.
“AirdrieFest is one of Airdrie’s premier outdoor festivals, which features local non-profit organizations and businesses,” said Michael McAllister, community development officer with the City of Airdrie in a press release.
“The festival offers the chance for residents to sign up for recreational activities, learn about their community and a fun time for the whole family.”
Non-profit vendors can register for a booth at the event for $30 and for-profit businesses can rent a booth for $80.
“In years past, we’ve had a whole host of community groups such as the Art Society, Scouts, the Horticultural Society and Think Airdrie,” McAllister said.
Erin Johnston, administrative assistant for Economic Development with the City, said though food vendors are always popular at the event she hopes for a variety of businesses to participate.
“Honestly anyone is welcome. So far we have everything from a Scentsy representative to real estate and food vendors,” she said.
She said the event is a great opportunity for local business to get their name and what they have to offer out to the public.
“It’s a low-cost option to try out that (larger) market, especially for a home business,” she said.
McAllister said vendor booth costs are purposely kept low to encourage participation in AirdrieFest because the event is not about making money but is about showcasing all the great things available for residents to take part in within the city.
“What we’ve heard is AirdrieFest is really the right environment for one-stop shopping,” McAllister said.
“It’s for people to get themselves and their kids involved in community activities and groups.”
He said the event is a great place for vendors to showcase what they do by doing demonstrations.
He added in past years there have been demonstrations from SWAT Bots robotics, dancers and martial arts.
“There’s always some surprises that come from groups that sign up and have something to offer,” McAllister said of the demonstrations.
He said the thing he hears time and again at AirdrieFest is people saying, “I’ve never heard of X,” or “I didn’t know that was here.”
“It’s really about giving almost a sneak peak at what goes on in Airdrie and what we find is it always leaves people wanting more,” he said.
He added people will often take the information they get at the event and look into organizations and businesses they are interested in once they get home.
For more information on the event or to register, visit airdriefest.com
“It’s a great event with great food and plenty of fun to be had,” he said.
