The latest in oilfield equipment and technology was on display in Redvers on May 12 and 13 for the biennial Redvers and District Oil Showcase.
Exhibitors filled the Redvers Sports Arena and the grounds surrounding the arena for the event. And while the temperatures were a little cooler than organizers had wanted, Redvers economic development officer Jasmin Carlton said it was still 鈥渁 fantastic show.鈥�
鈥淲e are very happy with our attendance and we are very appreciative of our exhibitors who came out and supported us this year,鈥� said Carlton. 鈥淲e are already looking forward to 2018.鈥�
While the overall number of exhibitors is down, they were still able to sell out both the arena and the outdoors area. There were 76 exhibitors accounting for 92 booths, with another 33 outside exhibitors. And while cool temperatures hampered the show for much of the two days, there was still good traffic for the outdoor booths, especially in the afternoon of May 13, when temperatures increased.
Approximately 575 people attended this year鈥檚 showcase.
Some new and up-and-coming technology was on display at the show.
鈥淲e were very pleasantly surprised with what we see coming up in the oil and gas industry, and we鈥檙e excited to see what everyone has to offer,鈥� said Carlton.
The exhibitors were once again impressed with the event.
A banquet on the opening night at the Redvers Curling Club featured keynote speakers Bernie and Sheila Inman. Bernie Inman was critically injured on the job, and given little chance to survive.
He suffered burns to more than 70 per cent of his body, and was rendered a quadriplegic. But he survived the incident, and is now a popular speaker who emphasizes the value of safety.
鈥淭here were several people in tears at the end,鈥� said Carlton. 鈥淲e鈥檙e not saying we like to make people cry, but that鈥檚 definitely a sign that we impacted some people鈥檚 thoughts and ideas and lives.鈥�
Proceeds from the oil showcase will be directed towards organizations in Redvers and the southeast corner of the province. Since 2012, the oil showcase committee has presented more than $96,000 to organizations in the town, along with Carnduff, Carievale, Gainsborough, Oxbow and more.
This year鈥檚 showcase also featured a raffle, with money directed to the Red Cross for relief efforts in Fort McMurray.
Plans have already started for the next showcase in 2018. Some exhibitors have booked their spot for the show in two years, and all of this year鈥檚 exhibitors will have the first chance to reserve their spot.
