Despite being involved on the organizing side for more than 30 years, Andy Glecoff still gets excited when the annual Haliburton Home and Cottage show comes around.
Now into its 47th year, the annual spring event takes over the Haliburton Curling Club and A.J. LaRue Arena May 29 to 31. Glecoff said it’s another sellout, with 150 vendors confirmed – including 29 first-time attendees.
“We’ve been sold out and fully booked for eight weeks. There were 54 new registrations from people that have never been to the show before, but because of the returning vendors we could only fit so many of them in,” Glecoff said. “We have seen some turnover, but this show has gained a great recognition and reputation in the industry. Businesses want to be involved.”
Promoted as a one-stop shop for Highlands property owners looking to spruce up their home or cottage – or find some shiny new toys to play with, Glecoff said this year’s show features everything from local contractors and tradespeople to home décor specialists, landscapers, watersport providers and those working in the beauty, travel and alternate energy industries.
Popular returning vendors include Home Hardware, Emmerson Lumber, Kegel Heating and Cooling and outdoor exhibitors NorTech, RPM Marinas, Curry Motors and Ski-Mazing Watersports.
The featured guest is also a familiar face – County-based artist David Alexander Risk. Renowned for his plein air paintings of wildlife and nature captured live, Risk is a big deal in the art world. He has paintings on display at several public and private collections, including at Casa Loma in Toronto and Buckingham Palace in London, England.
“David is going to have an active booth where I think he’ll be painting live. He’s also provided us with an exclusive original piece that will be the first prize in our entry draw,” Glecoff said, noting everyone who pays the $5 admission will be in with a chance of winning. Other prizes include a weekend getaway to Buttermilk Falls Resort and two luxurious camping chairs, donated by Glecoff’s Family Store.
With up to 3,000 people expected to attend over the three days, Glecoff said the Haliburton show has become one of the best in Ontario.
“We have folks who run the circuit – so they go to shows in Lindsay, Fenelon Falls, Barrie and Orillia and they say we stand on our own, that this is one of the most successful shows anywhere,” Glecoff said.
There will be opportunities for people to keep on top of their health and hygiene, too. Glecoff said Your Hometown Dentist is bringing a travelling trailer, with staff offering free tooth examinations, while Hear Canada is bringing a device that will let people peer inside their own ear.
The popular on-site doggy daycare service, where people can leave their four-legged friends while they wander the exhibitor halls, is back, while Glecoff said the newand-improved kitchen at the curling club will be open for orders. The snack bar at the arena will also be open.
The show runs Friday from 3 to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
