Maidstone’s core was busy over the weekend as the annual Chamber of Commerce Trade Fair filled the arena and the Maidstone Quilting Squares held a quilt show at the Legion Hall.

The trade fair had a large variety of booths promoting everything from toys to wealth management, water treatment options to recreational opportunities, and health and beauty products to handcrafted goods.

One of the lifestyle product booths had a poster with popular juices and soft drinks and their sugar content displayed in clear plastic bags. It was a discussion starter for people of all ages.

The RCMP brought in a rollover simulator designed to show what happens in a rollover where the vehicle had been traveling 50 to 60 kilometres per hour. Dummies are placed or seat belted into the model to show the difference between using a seatbelt or not and how dangerous it is for others if one of the passengers isn’t wearing a seatbelt.

Constable Redekopp explained an unbelted person could kill the others in the car and how important it is for everyone to wear a seatbelt at all times.

The display, a partnership with SGI, travels throughout the province and can be ordered by organizations by contacting a local RCMP detachment.

The Maidstone Historical Society’s silent auction included pottery, tools, clothing, gift certificates, art work, products from some of the show’s vendors and musical instruments.

There was an entertainment stage and a Grad 2012 Slave Auction raising $5,300.

Around the corner, visitors to the quilt show donned white gloves so they could get close enough to the displays to touch the works and examine the stitching. The displays were vibrant and a touch of humour was added by little signs hanging everywhere describing the addiction of fabric buying.

There were door prizes both days and vendors selling their wares.

The Maidstone Quilting Squares spend time together each month, often learning new techniques, and it was an opportunity for everyone to enjoy their talents.

New ideas and old friends were some of the best things about both shows as the community gathered in a celebration of spring.