For two decades, the Canowindra Trading Post has been a must-stop destination in Canowindra; and on this October long weekend, the Canowindra Trading Post will celebrate its 20th birthday. The Canowindra Trading Post first opened its doors on October 2, 1993 under the original owners Dot Cain and Michelle Porter, and has been under the guidance of Rob Rogan and Nick Jacobs since 2001. Since then, the Canowindra Trading Post has flourished into a mecca for home wares and gifts, with many making the pilgrimage to Canowindra just to forage through its eclectic collection of furniture, home wares, jewellery and gifts. The Canowindra Trading Post has also expanded its original brief and opened a courtyard to the side of the shop, where weary husbands can take a load off while their wives explore the wonders within its walls. It now also serves light refreshments and coffee, handy for those just passing through. The building was built in 1912 and originally housed a butcher and a baker (cue bad joke about a candlestick maker). The building has had two facelifts in the last 20 years; however a connection to the original purpose of the site remains, with the original butcher’s racks and baker’s ovens still around today. The Canowindra Trading Post’s landmark birthday also coincides with its nomination in several categories for the 2013 Cabonne Daroo Business Awards. The Canowindra Trading Post is a finalist in multiple categories including Best Ongoing Business; Excellence in Marketing, Advertising and Communications; Contribution to Cabonne – Business; and Excellence in Tourism Business. The winners of this year’s awards will be announced at a gala dinner on November1. “We are grateful to the people we have worked with over the years, our customers and our community for their support,” Mr Rogan said, “20 years is pretty significant for an independent retailer in a regional community. Certainly in our 13 years here, we’ve always felt really supported by the community,” Mr Jacobs said.