Last week’s Agri-Trade is over and had another very successful year.

Pat Kennedy, who started the event back in 1984 and still manages it, says 71,442 people attended the four-day event and Thursday broke their one-day record with 29,364 attendees.

“It went very well,” says Kennedy. “The weather was tremendous and there seemed to be a very positive attitude out there. The renewals for next year are rolling in.”

He says he’s had several major exhibitors renew for up to three more years and two new major sponsors sign on for next year. “It’ll be bigger and better than ever next year.”

Agri-Trade attracted 435 exhibitors and they took up all available space. There was no room left anywhere at Westerner Park, inside or outside, and there were still 80 wishful exhibitors on the waiting list, he said.

One of the many benefits of Agri-Trade is lots of extra customers for south side businesses. Restaurants were busier and motels and hotels around the city, and in nearby communities as well, tended to fill up. Kennedy says the annual event could put up to $15 million into the local economy.

acryderman@reddeerexpress.com