Proud of the red balloon he got at the St. Ignace Tru Value booth, two-year-old Gabe Luck of Newberry takes advantage of light traffic in the early hours of the Home Show Friday, April 18, to play in the aisle. His uncle, Kurt Robinson, (left) also of Newberry and owner of K.L. Robinson Concrete Specialist, had an exhibit at the show in Little Bear East Arena. Grandparents Dennis and Pat Robinson watch as the toddler enjoys the balloon and the outing. Remodeling experts, gardening masters, and home improvement solutions highlighted this year's Mackinac County Home and Garden Show Friday, April 18, and Saturday, April 19, in St. Ignace. Visitors gathered information on purchasing and financing a home and received tips on renovation projects.

Belonga Plumbing, Heating and Cooling of St. Ignace won both the Vendors' Choice Award and the People's Choice Award. The business constructed a bathroom in its booth to highlight the latest in bath fixtures and products. The exhibit contests are judged by visitors and vendors.

The show is organized by Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) of Mackinac County.

Preparing for home owners and remodelers, Mackinac County Home and Garden Show exhibitors begin setting up displays Thursday evening, April 17. Ted Tamlyn of Belonga Heating and Cooling in St. Ignace provides support for an air exchange unit as Larry Belonga fastens it to their booth wall. The unit, said Mr. Belonga, provides fresh air for a home and works well to reduce radon gas levels. The event drew 1,090 visitors, about 40 fewer than last year, although paid attendance was up, said Michelle Walk, HOME board member, which she attributes to fewer children ages 8 and younger attending and fewer free passes being used by sponsors. Ms. Walk coordinates the event, along with Lori Pieri, executive director of HOME.

"Given how much everybody is struggling right now," said Ms. Walk, "we very easily could have been down a lot more. What we are hearing is other home shows are also down for vendors and attendance, and we don't seem to be down as much as some of the other shows."

Last year brought a drop in attendance of about 200 people.

Traffic was slow Friday, said Ms. Walk, while Saturday drew the most people and made up for the slow start.

During the sixth annual show at Little Bear East Arena, 55 exhibitors, five fewer than last year, offered solutions and the latest in home furnishings, ideas, and products. Attendees wandered down the aisles of the ice arena asking advice, making plans for projects, and entering drawings for door prizes. Visitors picked up product brochures, along with candy, pens, and yardsticks. Exhibitors showcased products including hot tubs, gutters, doors, bathrooms, patio and driveway paving, and party rental items, including a children's bounce house. Also taking advantage of the public event during an election year were political booths placed between home improvement exhibits. Political booths are limited to parties, rather than candidates or fundraising.

Bank representatives were available to discuss financing for new home purchases and renovation projects, and real estate companies offered information on home listings.

HOME, a not-for-profit organization, was established to create adequate housing in the county, with an emphasis on affordable home ownership. Applicants interested in purchasing a house built by HOME must meet income and eligibility guidelines. Community housing projects are funded from the proceeds of the show, which raises approximately $3,000 each year.

The show is supported by the efforts of 12 volunteers. This year's show sponsors included St. Ignace Downtown Development Authority, Mackinac County, City of St. Ignace Recreation Department, First National Bank of St. Ignace, and Days Inn Lakeside.