It is official, in just its third year as a locally run event, Powell River Home and Garden Show is completely sold out.
Powell River Home and Garden Association (PRHGA), a non-profit group formed two years ago to produce the show, includes board members Leah Rourke, Melanie Sullivan, Daniela D’Onofrio, Valerie Griffiths and Marci Gruntman, all of whom have been busy planning the 2016 edition.
“The first two years we had to work hard to fill the space, but this year we have sold it out,” says Melanie. “It’s going to be an awesome show.”
From 4 to 9 pm Friday, April 29, and 9 am to 5 pm Saturday, April 30, local businesses, which account for 95 per cent of the exhibitors, will promote products and services in 90 different booths throughout Hap Parker Arena in Powell River Recreation Complex.
“The show provides an excellent opportunity for the businesses to showcase their latest products and services and reach new customers,” says Leah. “It’s a chance to engage with customers face to face in a relaxed environment.”
Some out-of-town vendors are returning as well, and a few newcomers have reserved booths for the first time.
“We have a couple new out-of-town exhibitors, but mostly regulars like Coombs Country Candy and Classic Cutlery, places that sell novelty items you can’t get locally,” adds Leah. “They were big hits at the last show.” A full list of exhibitors will be available in the Powell River Peak on April 27.
Each year PRHGA selects an organization to run the door and collect admission, which is by donation; $2 per person is the suggested amount. Each group submitting an application was asked to explain how it would benefit from and use the funds. After combing through many applications, the board chose Powell River Garden Tour.
“We thought it was a really good fit, 100 per cent of the admission goes to them,” says Leah. “They plan to use proceeds to develop gardens in schools and get kids involved in gardening.”
According to Melanie, last year raised nearly $4,000 for Life Cycle Housing. “It is a really good fundraiser,” she adds.
Everyone attending the show will have an opportunity to win a grand prize consisting of gift certificates from local businesses; entry forms will be available at the door. Saturday after the show, the winner will be announced.
A Lego construction contest returns for a second year, featuring three age categories, plus a corporate challenge with 1,000 AirMiles going to the winner. Creations can be dropped off at the complex Thursday, April 28, while organizers are setting up. After preliminary judging, semifinalists will be on display throughout the weekend.
“Votes from people attending and final judging on Saturday will determine prizewinners,” says Leah. Entry forms are available at Rona Building Centre, sponsor of the contest.
New this year is the Eat Street area, which features a variety of food and refreshments from local vendors.
“Tables and chairs will be set up for people to relax and hang out while grabbing a bite to eat,” says Leah. “The complex concession will also be open.”
Also new is Marketplace, a section created to give small businesses without storefronts opportunities to sell and promote homemade or direct-sale items in an area with smaller booths. “That brings in a whole new group we haven’t seen at the show in the past,” says Leah.
Other amenities include a Valley Building Supplies-sponsored hospitality tent featuring beer, wine and cider. Space for a parent-supervised kid zone is planned as well.
“There will be lots of activities to keep kids entertained,” says Leah.
A colouring contest sponsored by Staples and Powell River Peak, with prizes for different age categories, will take place throughout the weekend.
Entry forms are available at the Peak office prior to the event, and at the arena during the show, when crayons and markers will be provided.
For more information, visit fb.com/powellriverhomeshow, email homeshow@relishinteriors.com or call 604.485.9333.
