Swing into Spring Show and Sale draws strong crowd in Morinville

By Haylee Winger
The Morinville & District Chamber of Commerce’s Swing into Spring Show and Sale, presented
by Smokehouse Grills & Power Equipment, drew a full house this year, with strong attendance
and a wide range of exhibitors and activities.
Held April 25 and 26 at the Morinville Leisure Centre (MLC), the sold-out event welcomed
approximately 1,900 visitors over the two days. Additional support came from hall sponsors
Town of Morinville and NAPA Autopro Morinville Repairs, along with bronze sponsor
Meadows of Morinville.
Admission was free, and attendees had access to a variety of attractions, including a Family Fun
Zone, a bouncy castle, a contractor’s corner, food trucks, and a special appearance by the popular
character Stitch.
Chamber Manager Roberta Pawluk noted that about 70 per cent of exhibitors and market vendors
were returning participants, reflecting strong ongoing support for the event.
This year’s exhibitor lineup featured a broad cross-section of industries and services, ranging
from home improvement, real estate, and auto repair to landscaping, plumbing and heating,
wellness services, and non-profit organizations. Vendors also represented areas such as crafts,
pottery, waste management, renovations, hair and beauty, and even dog adoption, offering
something for a wide range of interests.
Among the new participants was Hay There Farm, which showcased products including freeze-
dried treats like strawberry crunch and mango crunch, as well as eggs, hay, and other farm goods.
More than 40 market vendors were also on site, offering items such as baked goods, juices,
perogies, chocolate, jewelry, woodcraft, concrete décor, and various handmade products. The
market also featured a first-time author selling three published books.
The event continues to serve as a platform for small businesses, particularly those without a
physical storefront, to connect with the community and promote their offerings. It also provided
an opportunity for several new businesses to introduce themselves locally, as well as for one
business to announce a relocation.
Author Rose Van Brabant presented her first three books—Rusalka, The Meaning of Mischief
Night, and The Hand of Iris—and shared that she is currently working on a fourth. She credits
her early inspiration to her Grade 1 teacher, who read stories by Robert Munsch, as well as her
studies at the Vancouver Film School. Drawing on mythological themes, she published Rusalka
in 2022, followed by The Hand of Iris in 2024, which was influenced by horror films. Her works
are available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover formats.
Entertainment was also a highlight, with One Red Nose Ten Happy Toes bringing a large
inflatable Stitch costume to the event on Sunday afternoon, much to the delight of attendees.

Visitors also took advantage of the many promotional items available throughout the venue.
Giveaways included vegetable scrubbers, reusable cutlery kits, sink drains, hearing aid cleaning
kits, colour-changing cups won through a plinko game, free professional photos with a food bank
donation, measuring tapes, sunglasses, pens, Canada pins, reusable car garbage bags, and
numerous contest entries and informational handouts.