Convention center’s weekend event draws ire

Local dealers say hot tub, spa sale violates COVID-19 mandates

Local pool and spa dealers aren't happy about plans for the Hot Tub & Spa Blowout to be held this weekend at the Blair County Convention Center.

The sale will be held from noon to 8 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The event is being presented by Signature Productions of North Chesterfield, Va., according to Tara Saltzman, convention center spokeswoman.

Mark Glova, co-owner of Holiday Pools and Spas in Duncansville is one of the unhappy local dealers.

"They are renting space to a company from outside the area. They will be having a giant sale at a place where they did COVID testing. It is violating what we all have been doing," he said.

"I understand we are all in business to make money," said Randy Colyer, owner of Greenwood Pools & Spas. "I just feel that we all need to be able to play by the same rules, such as social distancing, sanitation, limiting the number of people in the building, the quarantining when coming into the state. I don't feel that is going to happen."

Saltzman said the event has been held at the convention center in the past.

"The organizers of the sale are taking every precaution to ensure the safety of attendees and our staff. They presented an extensive safety plan in compliance with the guidelines set forth by Governor Wolf, Health Secretary Rachel Levine, and the CDC. Face masks will be worn by all staff members and patrons and strict social distancing requirements will be followed. The sale will take place in our 24,000 square foot exhibit hall and the maximum number of patrons that will be allowed in the facility at one time is 25," Saltzman said.

Colyer said: "I have been around this area my whole life. I have worked hard to establish a business that I am proud of. So yes, I am upset with someone coming into this area and having a huge hot tub blow or any other type of blow out sale when we are going through this COVID crisis when I am being told to have smaller crowds, wear your mask, do your social distancing, do more cleaning and disinfecting, don't leave the state and when you leave the state you need to quarantine when you get back."

Colyer said local small businesses have been struggling.

"I just don't feel this type of event is something that should go on right now," he said. "The community needs to concentrate on and support our local businesses so that we can continue to have local small businesses left when this pandemic subsides.

"Your local families and local businesses are what make our communities flourish, not the people and businesses who come to town for a week or weekend here and there and then leave without any follow up or customer support. We need to help each other so that we can all thrive and survive.'

Despite the governor's stricter rules announced Thursday, Saltzman said, "We will still have it. There is an extensive safety protocol in place. On Saturday, we will abide by the new mandates that the governor set forth."