Donald Teuma-Castelletti
LITCHFIELD April 14, 2018
ATV’s, wood carvings, crafts and much more collided at the Pontiac Quad Club on Saturday, marking the beginning of a new event in the area.
Welcoming over 15 vendors, the club held their first Pontiac Outdoors show, inviting guests to check out their facilities and see what local merchants have to offer, plus the chance to sign up for an early membership.
“It’s our first time out to do this,” said club President Patrick Amyotte. “It’s to bring tourism to the Pontiac, that’s what this is all about.”
While the focus outside was on vendors of the outdoors nature – with four-wheelers and chainsaw carvings on display – inside saw booths with decorative signs, lots of baked goods and much more.
Amyotte explained that the club didn’t charge the vendors for their booths and spots on the property, wanting to support all the local businesses that commit to staying in the Pontiac.
He said, in their experience, booths can cost at least $1,000 while travelling to various shows out of the region, with all expenses in. Through hosting their own show, local vendors can be more visible to guests from the area and those travelling from afar, without the expensive fees of travelling.
As well, the Pontiac Quad Club got to take a backseat to lunch duties for the visitors, as they welcomed the Litchfield Leisure Committee (LLC) to the site. The LLC had a barbeque lunch going, plus a 50/50 and other draws, as they raised money for their own upcoming projects.
Rounding out the activities at the Pontiac Quad Club was a live broadcast from CHIP FM. Interviewing Amyotte and others, guests could meet the radio folks on their way to browse the indoor vendors.
“This all came together over the last couple of days,” said Amyotte.
Those looking to renew their summer memberships had the chance to be amongst the first of the club to do so.
“Today, we’re selling our pre-membership,” said Amyotte, explaining that the return of winter weather prevents riding. “It’s supposed to start the 16th, but we’re doing a pre-presale because they won’t be riding till then.”
While the chillier temperatures had Amyotte worried that the club wouldn’t see many visitors, he was happy to have the support of not only the community, but his fellow club members helping on Saturday.
“Thanks to all vendors and visitors, as well as the support from the area,” Amyotte continued.
