Let the Festivities Begin

Looking for the fun in feng shui? A bit of laughter with your landscaping? How about a little recreation to go with your remodel?

Home improvement may be a serious subject—you want good quality at a fair price—but it doesn’t have to be dreary, says Kari Damron, show manager for the 24th Annual Alameda County Fall Home & Garden Show, which runs October 1-3 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. Damron encourages her 300-plus exhibitors to offer enjoyment along with enlightenment.

“’Look at this! How much fun is this! I’m so glad to see you today.’ That’s the energy that I want to flow to the homeowner when they walk through that door,” Damron says.

Companies like The Floor Store, Wallbeds “n” More, and S.A.F.T.E. (Safety Alert For The Elderly) are happy to oblige because they are sharing their newest products with truly interested shoppers. Vendors at the Alameda show and its sister, the 15th Annual Contra Costa Fall Home & Garden Show, October 22-24 at Sleep Train Pavilion in Concord, offer valuable ‘face time.’ Home shows are a great place to get one-on-one interviews with manufacturers and service providers ranging from general contractors to producers of specialty vinegars.

“Homeowners are careful, especially today, to compare,” Damron says. “At the show you can ask a question and get it answered right away.”

The 11,000 visitors at the Alameda Spring show came with specific jobs in mind. Damron expects a similar crowd for the fall show, in which exhibitors will help homeowners refine plans, shop for new products, and spark some creativity. Show goers also go home with sacks of promotional materials and giveaway items.

That’s part of the fun. The first 300 customers at the Alameda show receive a free flowering plant. Playing exhibitor bingo can net a prize from one of the 26 participating companies. There are also plenty of samples and a bevy of jaw dropping booths designed to showcase new products. Don’t forget the huge apple treats from De Brito Chocolate Factory, commonly known as “The Candy Apple Lady.”

Come with a sense of fun, Damron says, “and by all means bring your ideas.”
    
For more information visit http://www.capitalshowcase.com or call (800) 222-9351. New exhibitors are always welcome.