Small businesses were set up at the Innovation Credit Union iPlex over the weekend, hoping to find new customers in the rodeo crowd.

The third-annual Southwest Showcase Tradeshow was held alongside the Canadian Cowboys Association Finals Rodeo.

The trade show was held in the curling area of the building, while the rodeo was happening in the hockey area.

Around 60 vendors were hosted as part of the tradeshow.

Nicole Spenst, who is in charge of marketing and finance on the Canadian Cowboys Association rodeo finals committee, said that everything from fishing trips to solar energy was up for sale at the tradeshow.

"There's a variety of different booths here, there are a few unique ones, one of the ones that caught my eye yesterday was actually jewellery made out of antlers, so just a really rustic jewellery feel that I thought was super neat."

The final day of the three-day trade show was on Saturday, which was also declared Small Business Saturday by Swift Current Mayor Denis Perrault.

Spenst also said that it was exciting for her to be able to promote local business as the trade show was doing.

"You know it's really exciting, that's kind of what the rodeo community is all about, is promoting family and small businesses, so the opportunity that we get to showcase some of the vendors that are in town as well for this event is incredible."

After commenting on the benefit to local businesses, Spenst also said that the tradeshow variety would benefit the area tourism wise.

"There's something to do for fans, contestants, and the community to take in besides just the rodeo performances itself, it's a great opportunity to pair up to showcase small business in our community, and to also showcase what southwest Saskatchewan has to offer for visiting fans."

Spenst said that she had received a lot of positive feedback over the new location of the tradeshow, as in previous years the vendors were scattered throughout the building.

"You know what, I haven't heard anything bad at all, everyone is so excited that were on the curling floor surface this year, so there's lots of room, as we said your not walking throughout the building, it's all on the curling floor surface, 60 vendors, and I don't think I've seen anyone walk out yet without a bag in hand."