Close to 40,000 people attended the recent Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show and many of them stopped by the first-ever Discover Rural Oxford Exhibit.
The display was the brainchild of the Rural Oxford EDC and Ronda Stewart, the group’s Economic Development Director, said it was a true collaborative effort.
“From idea stage to program design to execution, Crystal (Van Roekel, Project Coordinator) coordinated this initiative with such thoughtful care. We are grateful to our Board of Directors, Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, our community partners and dedicated volunteers, and of course the 15 rural business owners who rallied together to make this exhibit a success. Thank you all for trying something new with us!”
Van Roekel explained the exhibit was a success based on feedback from the participating businesses and visitors.
“Having the opportunity to showcase these businesses on an international stage, with approximately 7,000 attendees passing through the exhibit, highlights the potential of programs like this to elevate local businesses and help them reach new levels of growth and exposure. “
She added businesses gain valuable brand exposure, and the opportunity to showcase their products directly to consumers.
“Each of them offered an interactive taste or touch experience, allowing attendees to engage with the products firsthand. This helped forge deeper connections with potential customers, providing a memorable way for them to learn about and appreciate the products.”
The participating businesses were incredibly grateful for the opportunity, as it’s not something many of them would have pursued independently due to budget constraints, availability, and other limitations. By presenting them collectively as part of a cohesive Rural Exhibit, Rural Oxford EDC was able to effectively promote the diversity within the rural community while fostering collaboration among the group. This unified approach amplified their individual strengths and showcased the richness of the rural business landscape.
Several of those with a spot in the exhibit were pleased to provide their input:
“The opportunity to work together with other rural businesses and to have everything so well coordinated for our benefit was tremendous. I highly recommend being part of this opportunity and I hope that we are able to do it again!” – Stefan Cartmale, Bright Cheese & Butter Manufacturing Co.
“I was proud to be featured by ROEDC in the outdoor farm show. Not only was my brand well represented, but being featured along other rural Oxford businesses allowed for excellent networking, camaraderie and brand exposure. I would do this event again without a second thought.” – Erica Merchand, Bear + Fox Apparel
“20/10. The exposure, collaboration, and community feel were amazing. It was very well organized. We felt supported and felt treated like royalty. Amazing job!” – Alisha Wilson, Transitions Equine Assisted Learning
“Having the opportunity to showcase our products and build brand awareness at such a large trade show was very valuable to our business. Due to our small size, it would have been impossible to have our own booth and staff it for the length of the show, so the chance to work with ROEDC and other local small businesses was the perfect fit!” – Marja DeBoer-Marshall, The Golspie Dairy
Van Roekel said they plan to be a part of Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show again in 2025.
“We anticipate an even larger presence next year. Our goal is to elevate the brand so that it becomes recognized as a staple exhibit. We aim to build on the success of this year, creating a stronger connection with attendees and solidifying our reputation as a must-visit exhibit that showcases the diversity and innovation of rural businesses.”
This collaborative project between Rural Oxford Economic Development and Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.
You can learn more about what businesses were showcased at the Discover Rural Oxford exhibit here: https://ruraloxford.ca/discover/.
