FARMINGTON – The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce organizers of the 17th annual Home & Leisure Show hope that the free admission, a new location and a later date in spring will bring in an even bigger crowd that in past years.
The show opens 9 a.m. Saturday, May 21 at the Farmington Fairgrounds and runs until 2 p.m. The event that draws thousands each year, had been held in March at the Wilton expo center. But, after the center was closed to big events, the fairgrounds, with its unlimited parking and lots of booth space, both inside and out, was the natural choice. The date of the show was moved to May to avoid the weather concerns of late winter.
“The biggest, most important thing this year is that there will be no gate admission for the general public at the fairgrounds,” said organizer Shannon Smith, adding, “with that, we expect it will bring even more visitors to the event.”
Seventy booths inside the long Stairbird Building and lining the grassy areas on both sides have been filled. “Every booth is full,” Smith said. Bankers, car dealers, lots of home energy efficient experts will be in attendance, as will garden centers and suppliers, health organizations, antique tractors, real estate companies, members of the media, photography specialists, and more will be taking the opportunity to showcase their businesses or organizations with demonstrations and giveaways.
The Farmington Emblem Club will be honoring veterans with a display and free cookies for veterans. Members of the Chamber will be bringing their baked goods towards raising funds for the organization’s non-profit events. It will also be a good time to meet the Chamber’s new executive director, Stacie Bourassa, Smith said. “I’m excited,” she added.
