Sunday’s record-setting rains washed out some of outdoor events at the Ridge Meadows Home Show, but it was still a hit overall, according to organizers.
“Mother Nature is a worthy adversary,” conceded project coordinator Cass Winder. “But the buildings were wonderfully packed.”
Municipal crews kept watch over nearby Spencer Creek, which threatened to overflow its banks.
In any case, the area was already a bog.
“The grounds were absolutely soaked and pooling with water,” Winder said.
Still, she added, shoppers were checking out some of the outdoor displays.
“People are really troopers.”
She could take the show’s temperature from exhibitors. The booth for Real Canadian Superstore was offering taste samples for its “Recipe To Riches” program on CBC. Winder heard a lot of buzz about the cheesecake, and went to speak with the presenters about how they were doing. The answer – 13,000 tastes by Saturday at 4 p.m., with four hours to go on the day.
Winder estimated more than 20,000 people attended the show over the three days.
“We’ve got a variety of really attractive booths and displays, with good information in them,” Winder asserts.
With 80,000 square feet of display space, the only home show in the Lower Mainland that is bigger happens at B.C. Place Stadium.
While she’s proud of the decor section in the show, Winder said it is obvious some men tire of browsing for blinds. To that end, she has added marine craft, mini motorcycles, barbecues, hot tubs and BMX bike stunt show outdoors.
“I really want to appeal to the guys,” she said.
“The Extreme Stunt Show was amazing. It’s jaw-dropping stuff, but the rain did impact that.”
It also rained on West Coast Amusements’ fair, and outdoor food vendors.
Also new this year was the “For the Love of Dogs” show. People could “meet the breeds” as registered purebred dogs were displayed and their characteristics discussed.
Show-goers could learn which breed might fit into their lifestyle, along with products, services and activities such as flyball, nose work and obedience training.
It was a popular aspect of this year’s show, noted Winder.
“You can tell by the smiles on their faces – people love dogs.”