And better

THE ANNUAL Nocci Expo and Trade Fair got under way at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in Kimberley yesterday morning – with more stalls, more entertainment and more visitors than ever before.

This event, hosted by the Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nocci), offers local entrepreneurs, service providers and retailers an opportunity to market their trades and wares, simultaneously awarding members of the public, particularly school pupils, a chance to explore various prospective career options.

From 84 exhibitors in 2016, this expo has mushroomed to more than 160 displays this year, offering an impressive selection of products ranging from food, motor spares and pot plants all the way to emergency services and displays by academic institutions.

Yesterday also included a demonstration by the SAPS K9 unit along with performances by the provincial police band, St Cyprian’s Marimba Band, the Kimberley Regiment and the Kimberley Children’s Choir before the opening day concluded with the semi-finals of a talent show.

The finals of this competition will take place at 7pm this evening after a full day of entertainment including a performance by Kimberley Boys’ High and the KAM Jazz Band as well as an Irish, tap, hip-hop, can-can and flamenco performances by the Noleen Andrews School of Dance.

A jam-packed line-up of acts will also be on offer when the expo draws to a close tomorrow, including the Little Mr/Miss Business Pageant and recitals by the choirs of Newton, Diamantveld and Herlear primary schools.

Nocci CEO, Sharon Steyn, said yesterday that while she could not have asked for a better start to the event, the best was yet to come this weekend.

“The expo is an annual event and is growing at a fantastic rate from one year to the next,” Steyn said.

“In 2016 we had 84 displays and we have seen this number double this year as we needed additional space at the convention centre for all the businesses that are involved.

“It’s already been an awesome turnout but the number of visitors is likely to increase dramatically in the afternoons when schools are out and young people are able to explore the various career options that are available to them.”

Entrance to the event is free of charge and the doors open at 9am.