‘We can’t wait for guests to come through those doors’: Downhome Expo returns this April with over 100 vendors, new games and exciting prizes

The 9th annual consumer trade show will take place at the Glacier Arena in Mount Pearl. There are more than 100 vendors selling products and services and there are lots of prizes to win.

"We can't wait for guests to come through those doors and see for themselves everything we've put together for them this year"

Downhome Magazine is the largest paid-circulation publication in Atlantic Canada. The culture and lifestyle magazine was founded in 1988 and covers all things Newfoundland and Labrador. Features, celebrity profiles, travel tips, recipes, gardening, history and puzzles are just some of the things this magazine has to offer.

Downhome Publishing Inc.'s marketing director says the trade show embodies the essence of their magazine

If you were to put a magazine out in the two arenas, this is what it would look like. You have your tourism, you have your local businesses, and then you have your games.

The greatness of venders.

There are so many vendors and sponsors at the Downhome expo that people need to attend. This is a big event for local companies and producers who want to get their name out there and show what they have.

There are more than 40 vendors in the marketplace section. Small businesses sell everything from arts and crafts to food. You could buy anything from sweet treats to hot tub and vacation packages here. Everyone has something for them.

"We took extra time to focus on getting the greatest variety of vendors, creating some new games, putting together exciting prizes, and making sure that people get the best value for their money and time spent with us."

There are new games and prizes.

New contests and games will be featured at the Downhome expo.

Air expo is a new game Visitors can try and win a flight for two to Hamilton, Ont., sponsored by St. John's International Airport Authority, if they can fly a paper plane. The world's largest Plinko game has a 40-foot board that spans almost from the ice to the rafters.

The Newfoundland ponies are back and will be around all weekend. The Newfoundland Pony Society is charged with protecting the future of the Newfoundland heritage animal, and that's why they put on the Down home expo.

The Fun Zone is not just for kids anymore. It includes something for everyone, even though it is kid friendly.

She says that the Fun Zone is fun for both children and adults.

The Lucky Strike contest is part of the Fun Zone and will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Everyone who pays admission will get an entry ticket for the door prize. The prize includes a winery tour, accommodations at Auk Island Suites, tickets to the Twillingate-NWI Dinner Theatre, self-guided hikes on the Twillingate Rockcut trails, and more.

Grant Young, CEO and publisher of Downhome Publishing Inc., says there are a few special surprises to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Downhome magazine.

There is a lot happening at the show. We want people to check it out. We are excited to introduce everyone to our vendors and have fun.

The vendors list, show times and more can be found at www.down home expo.com