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Home, sweet show
Thousands attend annual house and garden exposition
McALLEN - The economy may have people spending more time at home, and people in the home and garden goods business see this as an opportunity.
More than 200 vendors selling everything from kitchen gadgets to lawn tractors showed off their wares at the 19th annual Home and Garden Show, held at the McAllen Convention Center. The event ran from Friday through Sunday.
"Everything from A to Z under one roof; from the backyard to the front yard and everything in between," said Kellye Rodriguez, who handles sales and marketing for SMC Events.
This year incorporated more "green living" booths, including ones providing information on composting, solar and wind energy and using native plants in home gardens.
The Rio Grande Valley show has grown over the years, keeping up with the booming housing market here, said Quincy Barnes, president of SMC Events.
And as more people are staying and entertaining at home, Barnes said this event provides a one-stop shop for people looking to make improvements as well as boost business for the vendors and McAllen.
"We're a catalyst, a springboard for business," Barnes said, adding that some of the vendors he's brought to the Valley have since opened offices and stores here.
Alfonso Jimenez, assistant manager of South Texas Moulding in Donna, said the business' booth has received many visitors throughout the weekend. The business specializes in wood mouldings.
Thousands of people attended the show, put on by SMG Events and sponsored by businesses big and small.
Brownsville residents Robert Chapa and Leo Amadore said they attend the show every year to see what's new.
"This is nice to see what the Valley offers," Chapa said.
Judy De Leon and her mother, Dee Beckman, decided to stop by the convention center after church to get ideas and find good deals on items.
"It's springtime, time to start doing a little remodeling," De Leon, a Mission resident, said.
Jennifer L. Berghom covers education and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4462.
