MOREHEAD CITY — Ralph and Sandy Harris of Hubert were looking late Saturday morning for ideas to create a living space at their home during the 26th annual Coastal Home Garden Show in the Crystal Coast Civic Center.
The couple had just spoken to Gerardo Rodriguez of Pullman’s Landscape Associates Inc., based in Atlantic Beach.
Ms. Harris said they were at the show because they wanted to learn more about grass for their lawn as well as having a deck installed at their home and were talking to Mr. Rodriguez about getting an estimate.
The landscaping company was one of the 74 vendors set up inside the civic center and outside on the patio at the show that continues from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today.
Admission to the show is $3, and tickets can be purchased at the door.
Concessions will also be available with a variety of heart-healthy selections.
Ms. Harris explained that when they moved into their house four years ago, their yard was a blank slate.
“It’s been wonderful to get different ideas for our home,” she said about the show.
“The displays are great. You get to see and touch things you usually only see on television,” she said.
As the couple moved to the next row of vendors, Mr. Rodriguez had a lull in visitors at his booth.
Mr. Rodriguez was standing by his booth where an outdoor fireplace and different types of pavers were on display.
This is his fourth year attending the home and garden show, he said, mentioning that last year he won the 2013 Best Booth in Show award.
“I hope to get it this year, too,” he said.
Mr. Rodriguez said he continues to participate in the event because people show an interest in his business.
One trend he noticed so far was many people were asking about outdoor living spaces.
“They’re looking for patios, pavers and retaining walls,” he expounded.
While many visitors were learning about ways to improve their homes from area vendors, one vendor was teaching about ways to improve the body: Acupuncture Point of Morehead City.
As Dr. Stephanie Kaplan was speaking to a potential client, her assistant Christine Britten paused to explain why they chose to be part of the show.
“Our goal is to treat the community without medicine or surgery. We want to educate the public so they can educate each other,” she said.
Gina Clark, general manager of the Crystal Coast Civic Center, was at the entrance of the show answering questions.
“So far, we’re doing great,” she said. “We’ve had a steady flow and the weather is perfect for us.”
Ms. Clark added the vendors seem pleased with the show, as well.
She mentioned that this year, there were some new vendors offering tools and outdoor furniture and some, but not all, of the vendors are giving away prizes.
“Be sure to visit each booth because you don’t want to miss out,” she said. “We have some really good displays inside.”
Though generally slow on Sunday, Ms. Clark expects that day’s turnout to be fantastic, as well.
“We probably had around 3,500 between the two days last year and we are hoping for 5,000 this year,” she said.
One observation she made about the attendees Saturday is the influx of different types of families.
“I’ve seen a good mixture of age groups from young couples to retirees,” she explained.
For more information on the Crystal Coast Civic Center or the annual home and garden show, please visit www.crystalcoastcivicctr.com.
Contact Jennifer Allen at 252-726-7081, ext. 228; email jenn@thenewstimes.com; or follow on Twitter @JennAllenCCNT.
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