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Thanks so mulch: Convention Center to host showcase

By Walt Frank 4 min read

Whether looking to create an outdoor oasis or spruce up a home with new paint and accents, the Blair County Home Garden & Healthy Living Showcase offers residents a one-stop shop to see the latest trends in everything from hardscaping and home improvement to gardening, home decor and technology.

For anyone looking to build a new home or business, vendors featuring new construction will also be among the more than 100 businesses showcasing their products this weekend at the Blair County Convention Center.

The event, a partnership between the Blair County Chamber of Commerce and the Blair Bedford Builders Association, will run from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5; children 10 and younger are admitted free of charge.

This marks the second year the event has been held at the convention center.

"The show last year exceeded our expectations as we were not sure how the move to the convention center would be," said Stacy Hoover, chamber vice president of events and technology. "The exhibitors followed us, and everyone was very happy with the turnout and our attendance increased as well."

The showcase previously was held at the Jaffa Shrine Center, but a conflict last year had planners moving it to the end of March and to the Convention Center.

"A lot of vendors said they were happy we made the switch," said event co-chairman Jim Burchfield Jr. of Burchfield and Son Landscaping, Altoona.

Last year's event went well, he said, and this year the event has grown to include 105 exhibitors, an increase of 20 booths from last year.

"The business climate post-pandemic has been rebounding and we have seen this not only at the show but also in attendance, people are ready to get back to business," Hoover said.

The showcases of local businesses offers shoppers the chance to compare products and services, Hoover said.

"The goal is to educate and show people what is available in the area for home improvements and healthy living benefits. We want to give people a hands-on feel and touch," said co-chairman Randy Colyer, owner of Greenwood Pools and Spas.

The show also returns to its early March placement, as it's important to showcase what products and services are available before nice weather hits, Hoover said.

"Once it is nice out, the consumers want to be out doing spring cleanup on their properties," Hoover said.

"It is a good opportunity to meet new potential customers, and talk to people face-to-face," Burchfield said. "This may not lead to a job that day, but there is a trickle down effect. We use this more for bigger install jobs, and if we get some maintenance jobs that is good, too."

Lakeview Sheds & Vinyl Products, East Freedom, has been participating for 15 years.

"This is a great opportunity to get our brand out there to get the public to think about spring with storage solutions, swing sets and poly furniture," owner Tim Peterson said.

Roof Works USA, Duncansville, is returning as an exhibitor.

"We look forward to meeting people face to face, as well as to make connections with other companies in our area. Our participation has helped our business by letting folks know we are a local company with ties to our community. It puts our faces with our name. The customer gets to know us before we get to their home," owner Paul Balzano said.

Wagner Landscaping, Altoona, is participating for the fifth time.

"It is a great way to meet potential customers and show them our portfolio of certified professionally installed projects. It helps us build connections with homeowners. Many people will come up to me with an idea in mind and that will be the beginning of us possibly doing a project down the road," owner Rubin Wagner said.

Clean Eatz Altoona and Central Pa. Blinds N Designs, East Freedom, are first time participants.

Clean Eatz will open this month in Logan Town Centre.

"I am a new business coming to the area. My store is geared toward healthy lifestyles, something we all need to do," owner Leigh Barrows said. "Participating in the show will give me the opportunity to meet people of Blair County and to introduce our concept with our new cafe. I am hoping that the community will take advantage of our meal prep services we provide."

"The event is designed for people who are looking to improve the appearance of their homes and we want to provide them with the best quality. service and education for all their window treatment needs," said owner Jodie Potter Neely. "Our goal is to build great relationships with potential clientele and to become a household name.”

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

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