Booths at Powell River Home and Garden Show are completely sold out for the second consecutive year. Exhibitors are preparing to offer products, information and expertise throughout Hap Parker Arena next weekend.
Promoting and showcasing a large number of local businesses, and a select few from out of town, is the main focus for Powell River Home and Garden Association. The non-profit group, formed three years ago to organize the event, also places a large emphasis on giving back to the community.
Prior to each show, board members Daniela D’Onofrio, Valerie Griffiths, Marci Gruntman, Melanie Sullivan and Leah Rourke select a local not-for-profit charity to collect admission at the door and keep 100 per cent of the proceeds for its own use. Entry is by donation, with $2 per person as the suggested amount.
“We receive quite a few applications from organizations interested in being the charity of choice,” says Rourke. “The board reviews them all and makes a very difficult decision.”
With many deserving non-profit groups requiring help, choosing only one is becoming harder every year, adds Rourke. After careful consideration, Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association earned the selection for 2017.
“It came down to what they were planning to use the money for and how it will help their programs,” says Rourke. “They have to feed horses and pay for equipment, and they have veterinary requirements. The donations will go toward enhancing the programs and that will really benefit their clients.”
To help as many non-profits as possible, an area has been added at the show where interested organizations can set up a table at a reduced cost.
“We still have room in that section,” says Rourke. “This is a way for those groups to connect with a large number of people.”
In addition to non-profit support, the board also provides local businesses with a chance at receiving a free booth for the two-day event. The process is the same, with business owners applying and explaining how they would benefit from being selected.
“It might be a new business or an existing business that can really use the exposure,” says Rourke. “It’s something we like to offer to help give a boost to a local entrepreneur.”
Blue Sky Consignment, a pop-up consignment shop featuring clothing, jewellery and home décor, was selected from another large group of applicants. According to Rourke, Blue Sky owners plan to use the booth to promote some of its unique home décor items.
“Because Blue Sky is a pop-up, it is difficult to get exposure and let people know what and where it is,” says Rourke. “The home show is ideal for pop-ups, because thousands of people come through over the two days; it can help them take things to the next level and possibly become more permanent.”
Eat Street, a popular addition to last year’s show, will again feature food and refreshments from a variety of local vendors.
“We will have hospitality tent with beer, wine and cider, too,” says Rourke.
Other features include door prizes of $250 and $500, a parent-supervised kid zone sponsored by Cranberry Preschool, giveaways from vendors and the return of the Rona-sponsored Lego construction contest.
Entry forms for the cash prizes will be available at the door. Registration forms and details regarding the Lego contest can be found on the show’s new website.
“People can vote for their favourite Lego build in each of three age categories and the corporate challenge,” says Rourke. “Prize winners will be announced on Saturday afternoon.”
Now in its fourth year as a locally run event, Powell River Home and Garden Show takes place from 5-9 pm on Friday, April 28, and 10 am-5 pm on Saturday, April 29.
“If you’re looking for renovation ideas, this showcases what’s new, exciting and trendy in home décor and home automation,” says Rourke. “There will also be direct-sale items, gadgets to buy and experts from all the fields on hand to answer questions.”
For more information:
• prhomeshow.com
• fb.com/powellriverhomeshow
• info@prhomeshow.com
• 604.485.9333
