Horsefeathers Haunts, the Halloween immersion experience opening in Potsdam in October, will give the public a preview with a micro-haunt set up at the St. Lawrence County Chamber's home, garden and business show at Clarkson's Cheel Arena Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25. These eye creatures are currently living in Horsefeathers Haunts' workshop.

By MATT LINDSEY

POTSDAM -- The St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce will host its 7th annual spring home, garden and business show, “The Really Big Show,” Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25 at Cheel Arena, Clarkson.

“We have quite a few new vendors coming this year…we are drawing from out of the area; from Watertown to Alexandria Bay,” said Jo Ann Roberts, events and promotions manager at the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce.

This event, attended by over 2,000 people last year, caters to the ready-for-spring public as well as to businesses. It allows regional businesses and organizations of all sizes to promote products and services, sell products, and build relationships with other professionals. Local food, wine and craft vendors will be on hand showcasing goods.

“NCC Systems is new and they will have a displays relating to fire inspections and extinguishers along with a vehicle,” Roberts said.

Other businesses and organizations making their debut include a cedar furniture maker who will be set up outside; Back in Motion chiropractors, Griffith Energy, a student exchange program and Horsefeather Haunts.

Hours on Friday April 24 are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday April 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission is $3.

Red Button Bakery in Canton has been wildly popular since opening in 2011, but will be closed as of April 26 when owner Beth Carrier and her husband move to Michigan. The Really Big Show “will be my grand finale,” Carrier confirmed to the chamber; her cupcakes and other baked goodies sell out fast at this and other Chamber events.

“Red Button Bakery will be making their final appearance at the show because owneris moving away…so if you want some of their treats, this is it,” Roberts said.

Samples of cupcakes from Red Button Bakery.

Carrier is leaving the North Country on a high note, having been named Entrepreneur of the Year by Clarkson’s Reh Center for Entrepreneurship at its recognition dinner just last week.

“This is a combinations show with a little something for everyone,” Roberts said.

Those who want some scary fun can get a first look at Horsefeathers Haunts, the theatrical immersion experience set to open in October on some 80 acres of woods on Route 345 in Potsdam. Owner Tracy Adle and company will create a “micro-haunt” walk in Cheel Arena, with toned down spookiness suitable for all ages.

When Horsefeathers Haunts debuts in October, it will have kid-friendly daytime “Hallowdays,” with the real scary experiences reserved for teens and adults on weekend evenings.

In past years about 80 businesses and vendors have participated in the show, which is attended by several thousand people looking for everything from gardening and spring home improvement supplies to locally produced wines to heating and air conditioning services and food products

The Potsdam Winter Market returns to Cheel as part of the show.

“We are excited to sell during the April 25 event,” says Laura Popielski, Market Manager.

Available products include eggs, meats, baked goods, wine, jams and jellies, warm Alpaca outerwear and clothing, all-natural bath products, and crafts of many kinds.

“It will be a great way to reach new customers and promote our upcoming outdoor season starting on May 9,” Popielski said.

Brick & Mortar Music of Potsdam will sponsor The Really Big Show’s main stage, where local music acts will be performing. The line-up will be announced prior to the show.

WPDM B99.3, Q102.9 AND 96.1 The Mix will all broadcast live from the show, Roberts said.

The event is sponsored by the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce with corporate sponsorship from Cornerstone Services, Norwood; B99.3 WPDM CBS Sports Radio, Potsdam; Slic Network Solutions, Nicholville; Bronson’s One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, Potsdam; Bronson’s Roto Rooter, Potsdam; Kinetico Water Conditioning, Potsdam; White’s Lumber, Gouverneur; Back in Morion Family and Sports Chiropractic, Potsdam; SUNY Canton; Stephen’s Media Group Mix 96.1, Massena and Ogdensburg; Q-Country 102.9; Aeon Heating and Air Conditioning, Potsdam; St. Lawrence NYSARC; First Class Services, Potsdam; St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, Canton; GoFishNY.com and Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, Ogdensburg.

Vendors expected to attend include Parker Maple Farm, Canton; The Nut Shop International, Colton; Commercial Press, Canton; Keep U In Stitches, Canton; St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency, Canton; Tug Hill Vineyards, Lowville; Tucker Springs Organics, Colton; NY State Senior Action Council, North Country Chapter, Potsdam; Aubertine and Currier Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors, Watertown; Horsefeather Haunts, Potsdam; North Country Savings Bank; Artworks Creperie, Waddington; SeaComm Federal Credit Union; Valley Greenery, Parishville; Thousand Islands Winery, Alexandria Bay; Enbridge Services, Massena; Uncle Jim’s Backwoods Goods, Norfolk; Wireless Zone of Potsdam; Phil & Jackie’s, Massena; Unique Woodworking & Rustic Designs; Canton; International Student Exchange, Babylon; NCC Systems, Potsdam; Lakeland Winery, Syracuse; River Myst Winery, Ogdesnburg; Norwex, Tupper Lake; Adirondack Heirloom Treasures, Malone; DMT Foam, Potsdam; 1,000 Islands Ready Mix Concrete, Potsdam; St. Lawrence County AARP, Canton; The Pampered Chef, Helena; Dove Chocolate Discoveries, Burlington, VT; 2 Mama Birds, Winthrop; Cedar Designs, Heuvelton; Jamberry Nails, Potsdam; Traveling Vineyard, Potsdam; Paparazzi and Accessories, Tupper Lake; Coakley’s Capet Ace One Hardware, Canton; SummerHaven Pool, Hearth and Spa, Potsdam; St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES, Norwood; Kim’s Cheesecake on a Stick, Clayton; Adirondack Homestead, Watertown; High Peaks Winery, Potsdam; Red Button Bakery, Canton and 29 Design Studio, Brasher Falls.

A handful of booths remain to be reserved for the show. Vendors, businesses and organizations who want to reserve a booth should contact Jo Ann Roberts at the county chamber, 386-4000, jroberts@stlawrencecountychamber.org.

For a printable registration form and more information, visit www.NorthCountryGuide.com.

“Someone once described the show to me as an event where I can talk to my banker and go home with barbeque sauce too. Although there will be no barbeque sauce vendor this year, there will be plenty to take away from the show,” Roberts said.