Event Means Business : Trade Fair to Introduce Local Merchants, Residents Draws 20,000

The large tectonic rumblings in Simi Valley on Sunday afternoon were not real-life earthquakes. They were John Arendsen’s attempt at simulating temblors at his display booth during the city’s 17th annual Trade Fair.

In an attempt to demonstrate the effects of seismic activity, the contractor watched as his two rambunctious teen-age sons jumped up and down, manipulating the springs beneath a flatbed trailer with its small-town facade until the walls started tumbling down.

“You can’t just jump on it,” 16-year-old Chad Arendsen said, as he described the finer points of imitating seismic activity. “You have to push it sideways, too, to get the full effect. Once we got it going, I even caught a little air. It was like ‘Wrestlemania’ on a trampoline.”

The earthquake simulator was just one of 164 displays at the trade fair designed to introduce local businesses to residents. And according to promoters of the event, that goal was achieved during the two-day event.

Nancy Bender, Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer, said about 20,000 people visited the fair on Los Angeles Avenue. “We have more businesses participating this year than ever,” she said.

They included home security companies, chiropractors, car dealerships, and even perennial favorites Maxx, Bodo and Charly of the Simi Valley police K-9 unit.

Simi Valley resident Konrad Dinkel found the event to be a relaxing affair. He spent five minutes receiving a free deep-tissue massage from a worker at the Physicians Physical Medicine booth.

“Feels great,” Dinkel said. “I can feel this right down to my toes. What a nice way to end a long week of work. I could get three of these massages today.”

Dr. Wayne Press, a chiropractor who helped staff the booth, said he enjoyed talking to people about his business.

“This is probably the nicest way to meet and get to know the community we serve,” Press said, standing beside a four-foot model of the lower back. “I’m showing people all about how to care for their backs before there’s a problem.”

Nancy Hanlon said the fair was a real boost for her Balloon Mania business.

“I sold 200 water-balloon yo-yos yesterday,” Hanlon said Sunday. “And I’ve booked several company picnics, banquets, weddings and graduations. When you run a home business, it’s hard to advertise. This fair has been a big help.”

Lori Ann Dario, who bought yo-yos for her niece and two daughters, said the fair is always a fun place to bring the children.

“There’s a ton of info to learn about, and the children love it,” Dario said.

Marcus Rossi’s job at the fair was to stand atop a two-foot platform for five hours and model a pair of black Harley-Davidson motorcycle boots and a pair of brown leather Technica hiking boots for Jack’s Shoes. Nevertheless, Rossi said he enjoyed his time at the fair.

“I’m new to the area, and it’s a great place to meet people,” Rossi said. “Everybody seems so nice.”