David Copley — Staff Writer 

Dordt University Students looking for refuge from the March rain were surprised to find a bustling atmosphere, filled with booths, prize drawings and popcorn. The Sioux Center Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual fair in the Recreation Center from March 20-21. 

“It was cold outside,” said sophomore student Paul van Ginkel, as his reason for attending. “Any fair you have this time of year you would hope is inside.”  

While he was initially drawn to the fair for its protection from the cold weather, he stayed for the animals.  

“The place with animals I had to pull my girlfriend away from before she tried to steal the horse,” van Ginkel said. 

The purpose of the fair is for businesses in Sioux Center to market themselves and show the community what they offer. Over 120 local businesses had booths at the fair. While the products and businesses advertised might not be as applicable to college students who live in the dorms, the indoor fair is a great place to make connections. 

“We’ve heard stories of students who’ve ended up with an internship because of conversations they’ve had at the indoor fair with businesses that they probably would not have interacted with if not for the event,” said Amber VanDerVliet, the office and events coordinator for the Sioux Center Chamber of Commerce . 

A method the Chamber of Commerce has been experimenting with to interest more college students is by handing out door prizes, and hosting raffles and gift drawings with a chance to some gift cards and Dordt swag. Many of the businesses also hosted their own drawings or giveaways of their products that students could enter. 

“The Chamber of Commerce spends a lot of time figuring out draws. These businesses have taken two days out of their time to be here so we want to get as many people talking to them as we can.” VanDerVliet said.  

VanDerVliet played a role in organizing this year’s fair and communicating to the represented businesses. Her job is to make sure everyone knows the logistics of the event. 

“Luckily the event has a long history, so we have a good list of vendors that have been faithful for a lot of years that we reach out to.” VanDerVliet said. 

The Indoor fair also offers meals for a freewill donation, hosted by local nonprofits. 

This year, the Sioux Center Fire Department and the Midwest Honor Flight provided dinners. 

“A big part of our event is the nonprofit meals. Each year, the nonprofit organization serves a fundraiser meal so that’s a way to give those nonprofits exposure and raise funds for their organization.” VanDerVliet said. 

2024 marks 64 years of the Sioux Center indoor fair, and plans are already in motion for next year’s. Dordt’s Rec Center provides a comfortable venue for the large event.