For most people, home improvement seldom tops a list of how best to spend your free time.
But after a bitter winter, leaving most us feeling brow beaten and listless, this weekend’s Newmarket home show might be just what the doctor ordered to put the winter blues behind you. After having dealt with months of towering white snow drifts, the theme of this year’s show is green.
A venue change to the town’s new Magna recreation centre on Mulock Drive has allowed organizers of this year’s show to occupy two arenas during the three-day event.
About 140 businesses and organizations will be represented this year, including 50 in the new sustainability section. The second arena has been opened to businesses and organizations who think green.
To set up shop, a list of criteria, laid out by the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce, first had to be met.
That meant only those who promote energy-efficient products, environmentally friendly products, health and wellness and recreation, culture and fitness made the grade.
For instance, Healthy Living Technologies has a product called Laundry Pure that uses an ionization process that draws dirt out of clothes without laundry detergent, eliminating your need to ever buy laundry soap again. Norwex Enviro products boasts chemical-free cleaning and personal care products.
Another one of the new booths at this year’s show will be occupied by Neighbourhood Network, the community organization bringing together volunteers from Newmarket and Aurora.
The charity, spearheaded by local MP Belinda Stronach, matches volunteers with needs in their community. Since starting in January, 118 volunteers have joined to lend a hand to the more than 20 charities and organizations already affiliated with Neighbourhood Network. However, its organizers want to continue expanding the volunteer pool and encourage anyone attending this weekend’s home show to join.
Attendance at this year’s show is expected to surpass the more than 5,000 who turned out last year, with this year’s addition of another arena. Vince’s Country Market will hand out free re-usable grocery bags to the first 5,000 people attending. A counter top, valued at $1,700, will be the top door prize.
For more information about Neighbourhood Network, call 905-726-9779 or visit www.neighbourhoodnetwork.org
The Newmarket Home Show runs tomorrow, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.