As the start of spring draws near, homeowners looking to build, renovate and remodel will find all they need to create or update their dream homes at the 29th annual Central Pennsylvania Home Show.
The Home Show, presented by the Builders Association of Central Pennsylvania and Pennwood Home & Hearth, returns to the Bryce Jordan Center March 15-17.
Featuring free seminars, contests, door prizes and more than 120 exhibitors specializing in all aspects of home building and ownership, the Home Show provides visitors with opportunities to have all their home building or renovation questions answered, while allowing vendors, local contractors and nonprofit organizations to interact with the community on a different level.
Libby Gretzler, the chair of Centre County Affordable Housing Coalition, believes the Home Show creates an opportunity for her organization to develop a presence in the community that otherwise might not be possible. By using the Home Show as an outlet to educate the community about the housing coalition and provide those in need with resources, Gretzler believes the mission of the coalition is accomplished.
“The mission of the affordable coalition is to ensure that all residents of Centre County, specifically those with lower incomes, but everyone, that housing is available that they can afford,” she said. “It’s (the Home Show) is just a wonderful opportunity to meet people and spread the word.”
For Missy Schoonover, the interim executive director at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County, her goal is simple, to educate the community about Habitat and its work.
“It’s really an educational experience for the community to be able to learn about what we do and how they can support our efforts,” she said.
Schoonover also enjoys being able to work alongside other housing organizations and vendors to educate Home Show visitors.
“We are a part of this community. By being at the Home Show, we get to be there with other builders, vendors and the homeowners,” she said. “It’s a way for us to connect with friends who have supported us over the years and also to educate others about what we are doing at Habitat to help improve the community through homeownership.”
Like Schoonover and Gretzler, Jeff Bolze, president of Pennwood Home & Hearth, sees the Home Show as the perfect opportunity to interact with and teach community members about his business.
As a full-service fireplace and stove shop, Bolze said Pennwood specializes in all aspects of alternative heating systems from start to finish. By participating and sponsoring the Home Show, Pennwood is able to reach people before they begin spring construction.
Because of this, Bolze looks forward to showing visitors new technology and unique products for the new year.
This year Pennwood will feature a new wood stove from Lopi that is the first self-lighting wood stove in the world.
Bolze’s work on the Home Show committee has allowed him to see firsthand all the work and time that Builders Association members put in to create a great show.
“(It) allows people to experience not only the local services that members provide to make your home safe and enjoyable,” he said. “The members of the Builders Association spend a lot of time in training and are very specialized in what they do and offer. Use their knowledge to help you.”
WHO: Area residents interested in home building, remodeling or renovation
WHAT: The 29th annual Central Pennsylvania Home Show
WHERE: Bryce Jordan Center
WHEN: Friday, March 15- 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, March 16- 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, March 17- Noon to 4 p.m.
WHY: Meet with and learn from area vendors, organizations and builders about the best ways to build, remodel, renovate and help the community
