Home Show a hit

PALMER -- The Mat-Su Homebuilders Association's Mat-Su Home Show last weekend at Raven Hall on the Alaska State Fairgrounds provided a Swiss Army knife of expertise, advice, hardware, and financial support for anyone owning or considering ownership of a home in the Valley.

"There's nothing home-related that isn't here," said Emma Markley, Executive Officer with the Association. The yearly event involves local vendors, homebuilders, financiers, and custom designers both promoting their own services and helping Mat-Su residents make informed decisions about residential life.

The multiple booths gracing the event were supported by a number of informative presentations on the order of "Value in the Valley," with Janice Strong of Strong Appraisals, "How to Swing Your OWN Hammer," with the Mat-Su Valley Federal Credit Union, "Playing in the Dirt," with Master Gardener Jeff Lowenfells, and "Are Your Floors a Bore?" with Carpet World.

The show's sister event, the nearby Showcase of Homes, also helped to promote homes for sale in the area by displaying the variety of domiciles available to prospective Valley residents.

Markley said that the show, which started as a small event 20 years ago, has grown in size and scope every year, and this year's has been the largest yet. "There's been a fantastic turn-out," she added.

A home security booth instructed visitors on how to prevent burglaries and break-ins, while communications displays featured a variety of multimedia home systems and other links to the outside world. A booth operated by the City of Wasilla showcased the residential opportunities within the city and handled inquiries about compliance with city regulations. A number of booths showcasing everything from kitchens to carpets and windows to washing machines reminded guests of the variety of options for the interior of their homes, while septic companies, asphalt mixers, gardeners, and outdoor equipment renters dispensed information on exterior work. Visitors wandered in and out of booths displaying facsimiles of roofs, floors, cabinets, plumbing, and windows, while volunteers wearing the distinctive blue and yellow insignia of the Lions Club made sure everything was running smoothly. The show wasn't just for those already owning a home, however; many local banks also turned out with information on financing home building, buying and renting, as well as mortgage help. The concessions, candy, face-painting and balloons at the event ensured that smiles remained on the faces of even the youngest visitors.

According to Markley, it wasn't just the guests who were smiling. "Everyone who bought a booth here is happy," she said. "It's a great boost for their businesses." Markley also mentioned that there is always a waiting list for booths at the event, since more vendors always wish to attend than space allows.

In the end, however, the show serves to promote the area more than any individual business or businesses. "Our whole intent is to show people what kind of quality exists in the Valley," said Markley.

Contact Daniel Spoth at daniel.spoth@frontiersman.com.