Touching down in Toronto, I know this is going to be an unforgettable weekend. Arriving at the Interntional Centre for the Fall Cottage Life show, I can feel myself getting anxious. Over the next 72 hours, there will be more than 10,000 cottagers walk by my exhibit. Wow.

I’m worrying about the construction of my booth, until I meet my next door neighbour, Wilderness Homes Inc. Matt (no pun intended) is on all fours installing a laminate floor. Over the next 8 hours, he will build a miniature log home in a 10 x10 space. Stay tuned for the after shots. I am suddenly thankful I have chosen a minimalist design. I am hoping the licorice will be a big draw.

My husband and booth partner, has come down with a raging cold. But help is on the way. My 69-year-old mother, Doris, a retired school teacher, is donning her running shoes and will fill in for my sneezing, dripping husband.

With all the cottagers expected at this show, I can’t help but get excited. It’s fun watching the other exhibitors with their drills and displays put the finishing touches on their booths. My friend Heather, owner of CottageLINK Rental Management is here and stopped by for a quick visit. She is an old pro at these shows. You can click on her link CottageNews.ca to read about her tradeshow adventures.

Well I’m off. We have one more IKEA table to assemble and I need to put the finishing touches (the licorice) on the booth. I am so looking forward to making some new friends and hearing about cottage life in Ontario.

Cheers,

Julie

Well it’s here. The weekend I’ve been looking forward to since we closed up our cabin in late September. It’s the Fall Cottage Life Show taking place in Toronto this weekend. Second only to the Spring Cottage Show, this scaled down version is for those of us who need a cottage fix.

I always enjoy the presenters at these shows. This year I will be attending The Crash Course in Basic Cottage Repair, I’m sure my neighbours will be relieved to know I am finally taking matters into my own hands and not their’s. I’m also interested in Installing Alternative Energy Sources.

My absolute favourite presenter is always Jane Rodmell, author of Cottage Life’s Summer Weekend Cookbook. A cottager herself, Jane’s recipes are simple, delicious and contain basic ingredients. My ultimate cottage fantasy would be watching Jane preparing appetizers in my cabin, while I relax with a chilled chardonnay.

This is also our first show as an exhibitor. I am looking forward to meeting new cottagers and handing out red licorice, so if you are attending the show - please stop by booth 610 for a Twizzler.

More from the show this weekend so stay tuned. Hopefully I will be able to squeeze in a little Christmas shopping, THE TRADING POST, features the work of cottage-country artisans from across Ontario, showcasing quilts, original paintings, pottery and crafts.

Food, shopping and cottage- I’m in heaven. Oh, I almost forgot, there is even a session on pairing cheese with beer. What more could a gal ask for?

Here’s to a great weekend at the cottage - show that is.

Cheers,

Julie