Driver Doug Crile (left) and store manager Luke Mock of West Central Equipment, Martinsburg, set up their company’s display at Blair County Convention Center for last year’s Blair County Home Garden & Healthy Living Showcase. Mirror file photo

Homeowners, gardeners and do-it-yourselfers will find a little bit of everything at the annual Blair County Home Show at the Blair County Convention Center.

The event, sponsored by Xfinity, the Blair County Chamber of Commerce and the Blair Bedford Builders Association, will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 1.

Tickets are $5 for adults and children under ten years of age are admitted free of charge.

The annual show — now in its 54th year — offers a respite from winter and presents ideas for those considering remodeling, building, landscaping and more. The event will have more than 60 exhibitors.

“The goal of the event is to showcase our region’s vendors and experts in home, garden and healthy living, allowing the public to learn more about their services and discuss options for themselves,” said Matt Fox, vice president business retention and expansion for Altoona Blair County Development Corp., a partner with the chamber in the Blair County Alliance for Business and Economic Growth.

The showcase “allows the vendors/companies/providers the ability to build their business, increase awareness and lead to eventual sales,” Fox said.

The show attracts many “repeat” vendors.

Boyer Refrigeration Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. of Bellwood has been participating in the event for more than 50 years.

“We participate to get exposure to new customers. Usually customers who are searching to make some type of improvement in their home and many times come looking for one service and find two they would like,” President Scott Boyer said. “Participation benefits us with a good lead source, different from a cold call in lead. Supporting the community for home improvement contractors and networking with them is also a plus from the show each year.”

C.J. Cabinet Co., Altoona, has been a participant for at least a dozen years.

“I enjoy getting out into the public and meeting new people. The Home Show attracts so many different people over the weekend so it is an opportunity to meet people that you regularly would not interact with,” owner Christopher Cook said. “My main purpose along with most other vendors would be to bring brand awareness and ultimately increase sales for the year. Over the years, I know that I have sold millions of dollars worth of jobs directly as a result of the home show.”

Allegheny Overhead Door LLC, Altoona, has been participating for at least eight years.

“We participate in the hopes of reaching customers that may need our services, that we may not be able to reach otherwise — people that may not be on social media, may not drive past and see our location and sign. A lot of our business comes from, in my opinion, the best source possible — word of mouth and customer testimonial,” said co-owner Sonny Bear.

Allegheny Door also brings a functional garage door display to the show.

“This really helps people see something tangible. So many items are purchased through the internet now, and are often sight-unseen beforehand. The Blair County Home Show allows us the opportunity to show and demonstrate the quality of our product and to talk with people face to face,” Bear said.

Link Service Heating and Cooling, Duncansville, has been a vendor at the show for at least 15 years.

“The Home Show is a great way to connect directly with local homeowners and showcase what we do best. It allows us to have real conversations about comfort, energy efficiency, and the latest HVAC technology in a relaxed, community-focused setting,” said Justin Barber, installation manager. “Attracting new customers is definitely a goal, but our bigger goal is education. We want homeowners to understand their options — whether that’s a heat pump, ductless system, air conditioning, furnace, or boiler — and feel confident choosing a local, experienced contractor when they’re ready to move forward.”

Ultimate Concrete Resurfacing of Scotch Valley Inc., has been a participant for 22 years.

“It is our main advertising outreach to the general public. We have always generated many referrals each year from past and current customers but there is still a significant segment of potential customers that are not aware of our company and the Home Show offers that exposure,” owner David Auerbeck said.

Roof Works USA has been a show participant for at least a dozen years.

“By participating in our local home show, it helps us to let folks know that we are a local company with ties to our community. It puts our faces to our name. The customer gets to know us before we arrive at their home,” said spokeswoman Jennifer Fownes. “Our goal heading into the home show is to establish relationships with potential customers and of course, other vendors. We absolutely hope to gain new customers and relationships.”

Priscilla Hauer, a Pampered Chef representative, has participated for several years.

“I participate hoping to expand my customer base and to book some parties from the event.

I was able to receive a few parties from last year’s event as well as gain a few new customers,” Hauer said. “I’m hoping I’ll be able to expand and grow my business from this event, leading to a more consistent party schedule.”

Nate Diehl, owner of Dynamic Spray Foam and Coatings, Altoona, said the show gives him a great opportunity to connect with new and existing customers.

“We typically receive several good projects from customers at the show,” Diehl said.

Home Fire Safety Products, Mill Hall has been participating in the show for the last ten years.

“We love it as a way to get out in front of people who might not be looking for the services we offer. It’s just a good way to get out and talk to the public face-to-face,” owner Devlon Cowart said.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.