The name has changed in the 30 years since the Fergus Lions held their first Home and Garden Show.
But, then again, some changes were necessary as the show grew.
And show chairman Larry Wainwright noted, “We’re always looking for variety – something new – I think that’s what’s kept us successful.
Last year, with the Fergus Sportsplex now expanded and open, over 6,500 people visited over three nights, and there were more vendors than ever for the show, which expanded to include Sports and leisure displays and companies.
Wainwright will be the first to acknowledge that while some changes are good, consistency in the show has also helped the club keep on attracting vendors and visitor. The show runs on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights from 6 to 10pm, which allows vendors to work their regular store hours and then greet clients and potential customers at night.
The show has always had free parking and free admission, which helps attracts a wide variety of people.
The Lions Club, though also thinks of the community, and it asks for a donation to the local food bank, or a cash equivalent, and most people oblige. Last year it took large containers of food and hundreds of dollars to the food bank.
The show began as a fundraiser to help build the local arena and community centre, and Wainwright said that work has now included three pledges to Groves Hospital, and it also supports “the work of Lions within the community.”
He said that it is interesting that some vendors expect to do a lot of selling, but the show is as much about potential as being part of a community event. “People come to see the things that are available. If you’re not there … ”
Wainwright also enjoys the camaraderie of the event, and said the vendors do, too.
He noted that often they will help each other with booth setups and will exchange and borrow things.
“Even when they’re setting up their display, people are helping each other,” he said. “It’s why they’re at the Home Show. When you need them.”
Wainwright noted, too, the Fergus area has a sense of helping each other.
“It is community. No matter what it is, they’ll get behind it and support it.”
The Friday night fish fry is yet another part of the show’s consistency factor. Every year, about 500 meals are consumed at that event.
This year’s show runs May 7, 8, and 9. Five vendors will be there for their 30th annual show. They are: the OPP; James Keating Construction, of Elora; Lloyd Scott Enterprises, of Alma; Culligan Water Systems, of Guelph; and Royal City Grand Location.
The proceeds of this show will help support the following Club Projects:
Lions Foundation of Canada
(Service Dogs for the visually impaired , hearing impaired, & special needs)
Lion Clubs International Foundation
Sight First II program for the blind
Groves Memorial Community Hospital Foundation
Grand River Arboretum
Wilkie Park
Lions Quest Drug & Bullying Awareness Program for Youth
International Lions Youth Exchange
Assistance to the Diabetes Association
Lions Camp Dorset (Kidney Dialysis Camp)
Lake Joseph CNIB Camp
Centre Wellington Community Food Bank
Fergus Senior Transportation
Children’s eye screening
Habitat for Humanity
Minor Sports
Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex
Effective Speaking Contest
