Home show returns to Miner this weekend

MINER, Mo. -- After a success the first year since its return in the Sikeston community, the Sikeston Board of Realtors Home and Garden show is back this weekend, with some new vendors and several returning.

"We had such a great turnout last year," said Sharon Medlin, president of the Board of Realtors. It was the first time in many years Sikeston had such a show.

This year's show will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Miner Convention Center.

"This is an event that benefits our area businesses and allows them to showcase their work in a venue that they otherwise wouldn't have locally," Medlin said. With springtime in the near future, when people begin doing painting, landscaping and other improvements at their homes and businesses, the show comes at a perfect time for consumers, she added.

Not only that, it benefits those in need. The board has decided to donate all proceeds to area charities. Last year, around $3,000 was donated to Habitat for Humanity, while this year's profits are earmarked for the House of Refuge, according to Medlin.

So far, about 35 booths are reserved for the show, from the Sikeston area and as far away as Kansas City. "Some were unable to come back this year due to other obligations, but we've also attracted some new ones," Medlin said. "I think there is really good diversification this year."

For instance, there are vendors showcasing in-home generators, garage doors and the mechanical side of home care, as well as siding, area rugs and blinds. "We have a lot more items this year that people can come in, buy and walk out with," Medlin said.

Several banks, which can provide financing for those home purchases or projects, also set up booths. Among the vendors returning this year will be Samantha Jarrett, vice president at First Midwest Bank in Sikeston.

"The setup made for an easy flow from one vendor to the next," said Jarrett.

She noted that although she was at last year's show as a vendor, she was also able to visit several other vendors as a consumer.

"It is an excellent opportunity to shop local," she said. "I was amazed at the large variety of services each of the vendors provided."

Medlin said that even she was surprised at the vendors in the area. "There were lots of businesses in the Sikeston area that I didn't even know existed," she said. "So I know others who came to the show learned a lot, too."

For the most part, vendors were very happy with the show, but did give some suggestions which have been incorporated this year, according to Medlin.

"But when we contacted this year with the dates of the show and to give them a first choice at keeping the booth space they had last year, they told us that they did get business and orders after the show," she said. "And that's what our goal is."

For more information about this year's event, call Faye Walborg at Century 21, 472-2411 or Medlin at 748-9500.

Pertinent address:

2610 E. Malone Ave., Miner, MO