The Ridge Meadows Home Show is back after a two-year absence, and set to take over Planet Ice and the Albion Fairgrounds on the last weekend in April.
The reborn show has a new executive director in Graham Vanstone. He started as a student volunteer from Maple Ridge secondary back in 1996, tasked with FAXing booth locations to all of the exhibitors. He’s been working there every year since, but this will be his first show in the top job. He takes over from Cass Winder, who has retired after 25 years.
Before the show that runs on April 29, 30 and May 1, he will find vendors for close to 400 booths indoors, and recruit up to 150 volunteers to run the event. Over the course of the event, they will host between 20,000 and 25,000 visitors. It’s one of the largest home shows in the province.
“There’s challenges coming back after two years off,” he said, and one of those is getting the volunteers.
Students needing work experience have been a reliable source, and so have community groups. Local non-profit groups can take on an area of responsibility, such as parking or hosting, and use their work as a fundraiser for their group.
PAST COVERAGE: Ridge Meadows Home Show a no-go this year
“We will need some groups to come forward to help us out,” said Vanstone.
Any groups interested in volunteering should email info@ridgemeadowshomeshow.com
Vanstone said the organizers are still planning, while watching public health orders and hoping for relaxed health mandates.
The outdoor family festival is back, with stage entertainers including Norden the Magician, rides from Shooting Star Amusements, food trucks, a petting zoo and lots more attractions and booths.
Indoors visitors will find new booths and innovative products for home improvement, and for the backyard. There are products for foodies, DIY enthusiasts or those interested more in health and wellness.
Vanstone said it’s a big year for the show and the businesses who take part. More than ever, they are hoping for community support, for a non-profit organization that has been around for almost 50 years, and puts its proceeds back into the community.
For information see the website ridgemeadowshomeshow.com
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