Plans blossoming for home, garden show

Posted Mar 15, 2012 By Stacey Roy

EMC Events - Plans for the upcoming Smiths Falls Home and Garden show May 11 and 12 are beginning to take root with half the floor plan booked with vendors to date.

"We're hoping to be able to say soon that it's full," said Dawn Quinn, co-organizer.

The Memorial Community Centre will be bursting with activity for these two days with vendors of all types indoors, outdoors and on every level of the centre. The show will open Friday, May 11 from 4 to 9 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

"It seems like a really nice mix so far," Quinn said.

Vendors hail from Smiths Falls and area and include real estate companies, Guildcrest Homes, garden centres, pool and lawn mower retailers and makeup representatives. Organizers are currently looking for vendors who would suit an outdoor vendor spot, as well as those willing to provide a demonstration or taste test during the event. The aroma of the upstairs hall will be enticing visitors to the top level where chefs will be offering a taste of their work amongst other demonstrations. Anyone interested in these opportunities can call Quinn at 613-284-6224 or Margo Loughren at 613-283-4124 ext. 6103.

Plans are still in the early stages right now, but the hope is to have a variety of fundraising events taking place outside the arena entrance in the home show community fun zone.

"We're trying to create activity in the front of that building," said Hugh Colton, who is volunteering to help coordinate the event.

The town is looking to invite local charitable organizations to set up at the entrance where music will be playing. Possible offerings could include a fundraising barbecue for a local cause and information booths. For more information on this please call Loughren at the above contact information.

Admission to get into the indoor show is $2 with all funds being split between the arena fundraising campaign and the Murphy Complex project.

"I believe we need to get the Murphy Complex built because it can generate money," Quinn said.

A model of the proposed building will be on hand to give the public a clear vision of what is to replace the brick building in Centennial Park.

The building would have a stage flanked on either side with decommissioned Rideau Canal lock gates from Merrickville. Behind this and attached would be the newly-built Murphy building that would house public washrooms, showers, tourism information booth, café and patio.

The project is estimated to cost about $500,000 with $5,000 in the bank from the Canal and Railway Festival.

The support of these two projects and the exposure of the town to those drawn to the event make the upcoming event a much anticipated addition to the annual calendar.

"When you're drawing people into town that's a win-win for everyone," Quinn said.

Be sure to stop by May 11 and 12 for a glimpse at what is new and available for Smiths Falls and area homes and gardens.

sroy@perfprint.ca