Judy Hannaford gives all credit to God who has orchestrated her life by placing her in the positions of owner, president and producer of The Calgary Woman’s Show. She admitted that her life at one time was a "soap opera" but as she submitted to God’s will and learned the truths of the Bible, she saw over and over again God’s faithfulness.

Both Judy and husband Nigel, who writes for The Calgary Herald, are in occupations that allow opportunities to meet new people all the time. Besides the Woman’s Show, the Hannaford’s take on another project jokingly dubbed, "Sex, Religion & Politics." Every second Sunday evening they gather strays, intellectuals, singles and friends to a home cooked meal. The goal is to establish a family atmosphere open to discuss all the taboo subjects that the church runs away from. It’s not designed as a religious forum per se but a warm environment where people can be themselves and share. Usually they entertain 15 to 20 but on special occasions can have up to 40 in their home.
 

She has been involved with The Calgary Woman’s Show for 27 years and has been the owner for the last 20. She recounted how even getting the finances to buy the show was a miracle and its continued success is confirmation that God is in control.

"If you honor Him then He will honor you," remarked Judy as she related the lessons learned over the years. One year a casino sent an application and money for a booth without any previous correspondence. "It was cash in hand but I had a conflict of interest in my heart as I wrestled with my own greed," she stated.

After prayer and self-reflection, she phoned the company explaining she couldn’t promote gambling at a family-oriented venue and would return the money. After two weeks they called back asking for two booths to exhibit their hotels.
 
 

Memorable stories include her sponsorship of the World Vision mock African Village that was a real attraction but unfortunately too cumbersome for them to repeat. A definite highlight was meeting her husband. This adventure will most likely be included in her future book entitled, Fishing for Keeps vs. Catch and Release. The book is a guide on how to find and keep the right guy using godly principles. It’s a topic that has been well received in presentations given both at the show and at networking groups.

The future of the show lies with God. "Evangelism is my heart and I trust God will lead me – I never had goals and I am amazed on how it’s worked out so far." Looking down the road Judy stated, "I just take one day at a time and if I sell the show I want a godly person to take it over."

She is amazed that though free booths are offered to churches there has only been one church, Westside Kings Church, which has taken advantage of this opportunity. She sighed as she questioned, "Is it because they are afraid or overly busy with church stuff? I don’t know." When asked what statement she would like to make to the Christian community, she remarked, "Get out of the church and into the world; don’t be navel gazers; people want to know what you have to say, so don’t be afraid."

You are invited to join Judy in celebrating another successful and rewarding Woman’s Show and definitely say "Hi," if you see her at the Roundup Centre.

The Calgary Woman’s Show runs Saturday April, 18 from 10am – 6pm and Sunday, April 19 from 11am – 5:30pm.