The Malta Trade Fair turns 60 today as it opens its doors for yet another edition. But does it still have its allure for buyers and sellers alike?

Many remember the trade fair as the place to get your hands on those occasional big purchases. And, writing on the fair’s Facebook page, Doris Mangion, 50, said she always remembered the fair being the place her family would go to buy those “once in a lifetime” buys, making the most of the famous ‘trade fair offers’.

“If you wanted to purchase a car or a fridge, then the trade fair was the place to buy it. I remember my father saying ‘now we’ll wait for the fair to get a new car’ when his old one broke down,” she said.

Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for the trade fair said it still remained the event that attracted buyers in droves.

“Today there is so much competition that there are special offers being given all year round, but the trade fair remains special, and relevant, for so many reasons,” she said.

The trade fair first started being organised back in the 1950s.

The spokeswoman said the trade fair was a unique opportunity to have a look at a large selection of the products under one roof.

“If you are interested in buying a white good for instance, then at the trade fair you can see a much wider range of options than you could anywhere else on the island,” she said.

The fair first started being organised back in the 1950s, at the time by the Chamber for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (GRTU), but has since been rebranded as the MFCC Trade Fair, a subsidiary of the Corinthia Group.

And, according to its website, the over 200 exhibitors at this year’s fair are sure to give patrons more than enough to choose from.

 The item categories on display this year include alternative energy, home improvements, kitchens and furniture to cars and electric motorcycles, and even financial services and so much more.

For many who remember being dragged to the fair with their parents’ as a child, the chance to sit in a new car, after a snack like a hot dog is probably the first thing they remember when thinking about evenings spent walking around the old Naxxar hall.

And now that the event has moved to Ta’ Qali, snacking is still on the cards.

The event’s website says the food court will even include live bands. The food court is also where €1,000 cash prizes will be given away at 10pm every night.

 The fair at Ta’ Qali will be open between tomorrow and Sunday, July 2, from 6.30 to 10.30pm on weekdays and remains open until 11pm on weekends and public holidays.

“If you wanted to purchase a car or a fridge, then the trade fair was the place to buy it.”