First Day Of Home Show Sees Big Turnout
by Laura Monteverdi, Reporter
March 08, 2013 5:10 PM
The 54th Annual Sioux Empire home show kicked off on Friday at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.
“Usually Friday is one of our slowest days, but man it is busy here already,” said Kevin Zommermaand, President of the Sioux Falls Home Builders Association.
Hundreds of people showed up bright and early for the show that features over 200 exhibitors. Showcases included everything from wood flooring for your home to a brand new roof over your head.
For the first day of the three-day show, event officials said they weren't expecting such a big crowd.
“It's pretty nice weather outside. People are probably trying to beat the rush that type of thing,” said Zommermaand.
Those who are coming through the doors early say the reason they're doing so is not only to escape the rush, but the bad weather that's expected this weekend.
“We came and wanted to beat the crowd and the weather more than anything,” said Sharon Brugeggeman, who traveled from Hartford to attend the show.
Instead of dealing with a crowd over the weekend, Brugeggeman and her husband decided they would come to the show on Friday to pick out some new flooring for their garage. They said from the moment they arrived, they didn’t have any issues making their way around.
“I don't think this is bad at all. I think by the weekend I don't think you'll be able to walk up and down the isles, but it's been good,” said Brugeggeman.
Others say it's the fear of a parking lot battle that pushed them to arrive early.
“It kind of worked into our schedule and we wanted to beat the basketball crowd and parking is a little easier I guess," said Sterling Severtson of Kenneth, Minnesota.
Even under the circumstances, event officials are confident that this year will be a success.
The home show will continue Saturday from 10 A.M. to 9 P.M and Sunday from 11 A.M. to 5 P.M.
