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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1996-04-17, Page 8Page 8 Times -Advocate, April 1i, 1996 EXEER HOME, SEN LEISURE BROW Home and Garden Show raises money for local youth programs EXETER - The number of people who visited this year's Home, Gar- den and Leisure show in Exeter over the weekend was down, how- ever, organizers feel this year's show was still a suc- cess. The annual event, now in its 11th year, is organized by the Optimist Club of Ex- eter. It is one of the biggest fundraisers for the club gener- ating approximately $20,000 which goes toward various youth programs in the com- munity such as minor sports, Guides, Brownies, Scouts, Cubs, the Christmas Bureau, Bert and Er- nie programs, Block Parents, Huron Safe Homes for youth and many more worthwhile causes. In addition, $3,000 from this year's revenue is going to Chil- dren's Hospital of South Western Ontario. "We're always striving to make the event better and we're already looking forward to next year's show." The Optimists add- ed a leisure com- ponent focusing on sporting and rec- reational equipment to better reflect the nature of the event and to add a bit of variety to the show; however, it didn't draw more crowds. Mark Heimrich, Optimist President, said official numbers were not yet in, but he estimates 2000 people visited the three day event from Friday night to Sunday afternoon." Unfortunately that's down quite a bit and some of the exhibitors were disappointed with the numbers. But the folks who did decide to come out were there to shop and many commented they found the at- mosphere much more relaxing," said Heinrich. According to Heimrich, at- tendance at other Home and Gar- den shows has also been down throughout the region." From the research I've conducted it seems all shows are down by 20 per cent, including boat shows and craft shows. All the shows are down and we seem to be a victim of that too," he added. He suspects the wet and cold weather played a factor in this year's attendance, and the extra dollar they were asking for admis- sion may have also been a factor. But he admits they were affected by the popular Home and Garden show taking place at the same time in Stratford. "We were competing against Stratford this year. Their show nor- mally doesn't fall on the same weekend as ours and we lost pros- pects from Seaforth, Dublin, Strat- ford and Mitchell." Despite the low turnout, Heim - rich said the quality of exhibits were outstanding and many vol- unteers came together to make this a first-rate show. "We're always striving to make the event better and we're already looking forward to next year's show," said Heimrich. "I hope it. will continue to be the great fund. raising event for our community that it has been for the last 11 years." Home security was a blg at- traction for many people. Jan- ice Bames, above, displays a safe and security monitors at her exhibit. Aesthetics for the home was a main attraction for many who attended the show. Left, Herman Steffens from Lucan listens to Mike Brintnell from Mike's Signs explain the craftsmanship and creativity that goes into a hand lettered sign. Vera Armstrong poses beside a soap box car that the Ex- eter Legion will race at the Children's Soap Box Derby on June 30 sponsored by the Exeter Optimists. Mary Van Roessel of Exeter makes a purchase at Carole Hill's exhibit of Antiques and Collectibles. There was something for every home at this year's show. Want to design your own home? MVR Designs has the technology to help you. Michael Van Raay poses above a color monitor dis- playing a living room con- cept. Audrey Skinner stood at the Optimist's Booth and greeted visitors arriving to the show. The Optimist club will embark on their next large fundraising project on April 28 when they coordi- nate the Exeter Optimist Walk for Children's Hospital, previously known as the Stephanie - Lynn Skinner Memorial Waikathon.