The International Algarve Fair returned for the 13th time, and 13 was definitely the number, as this year proved to be the best yet, not only in terms of overall numbers, but also for standholders.
With an even stronger emphasis on entertainment, the thousands of visitors who attended this year’s Fair decided to stay within the showgrounds for extended periods, with Saturday also being the best single day experienced at the Fair.
Headlined by two of the Algarve’s best-known bands, The Protons and Daddy Jack Band, the music proved a major draw card, though a series of exceptional and professional performances by a number of younger dance and music groups proved a huge hit with the crowds.
There were also many new faces at the Fair, with a variety of brand new businesses having showcased their wares for the first time.
They ranged from traditional Portuguese handicraft artisans all the way through to luxury boats and high-end cars.
Visitors of all ages had plenty to look forward to, but special emphasis was placed on keeping the younger ones entertained, with a giant slide, pedal karts, an inflatable football pitch, inflatable trampoline, and a bouncy castle brought in specially for them-
Following the Fair, dozens of e-mails poured in to congratulate organisers, with many stating that this year had been the best yet.
David Thomas of Safe Communities Portugal said the past weekend had been the best yet in his many years of exhibiting at the Fair, while Andy Coulton of Good Life Spas said: “The Fair was the busiest yet and we received plenty of valuable enquiries which we anticipate will lead to good levels of business in the coming months. We’ll be back.”
These sentiments were echoed by Julie Cipriano of Access Algarve, who added: “This was the busiest and best fair yet. We look forward to joining you next year as it is a very worthwhile and enjoyable networking event - great to gain knowledge of new businesses and put faces to names of existing ones.”
Following along these lines, Pedro Serrão of the Nobel International School Algarve explained: “The event was well organised and it was great to see all our bags throughout the fair, we will definitely rebook for next year. Congratulations to the team on yet another successful International Algarve Fair, looking forward to next one.”
Neil Conchie, whose craft beer Algarve Rock was being showcased at the Fair, said: “We thoroughly enjoyed the event from both a business and personal perspective. It was great to see all guests having such a great time and we had great fun introducing our product to hundreds of very happy customers.”
Included in the fun was the announcing of the All Saints Build-a-Brick winners, with the two prizes going to Matilda Wiles in the children’s category while Sarah Packer won the adult prize. Margaret Brett, who was one of the volunteers at the All Saints stand at the Fair, also reiterated the point that the Fair was a great success and congratulated the team on their efforts.
International Algarve Fair Manager Sónia Seixas concluded: “The past weekend was the culmination of many months of hard work and effort, but would not have been the success it was had it not been for all those present this year, from the exhibitors themselves to the many volunteers and the countless number of talented performers who lit up this year’s Fair.”
Sónia Seixas adds that exhibitors, both past and present, will now be invited to provide their input so that “we can work towards making the 14th International Algarve Fair even better for exhibitors and visitors alike.”