PORT ANGELES — As people flooded into the Port Angeles High School gymnasium for the 29th annual KONP Home Show, vendors chatted with visitors, handing out goodies, coupons and chances for drawings.
About 180 vendors set up shop this year, said Todd Ortloff, KONP general manager.
“That is more than last year,” he said.
“Last year was a tough year, but I think this is reflective of the economy. I think people are starting to rebound a little bit, and last year the economy in general was hit hard and our area was in home building and real estate, which was hit even harder.”
Although he couldn’t guess at how many people attended, he said that by early afternoon Sunday, the event had already surpassed last year, Ortloff said.
The event typically attracts between 7,000 and 10,000 people.
One contributing factor this year was the weather, he said.
With the snow of the middle of the week melting off by the weekend, it allowed people a chance to get out and do something indoors, he said.
30th anniversary in ’12
The radio station is already gearing up for next year’s 30th anniversary show, he said.
“We want to have something to make it extra special,” he said.
Ray Gruver, an agent for State Farm Insurance, who has attended every home show except the first one, said he attends as a way to support the local event.
“It is a good place to talk to people and get to know the community,” he said.
“It is a great opportunity to support a local event.”
Everything needed
Everything a local could need to build, renovate or maintain a home was available at the show.
Local governments such as the city of Port Angeles, Clallam County Public Utility District and the Port of Port Angeles also were present to visit with constituents.
Real Estate companies were also available to talk about home buying.
JACE The Real Estate Company set up a booth ready to campaign for “Best of Show.”
A sign proclaimed that visitors should vote for the booth because “It’s the American Thing to Do.”
“We thought it would be fun to take off of an old campaign,” Eileen Schmitz, who owns the company with her husband, Jace.
The booth also had stickers that said “I Voted” and many prizes to win, including gift certificates or a playhouse.
“Even people without kids have been wanting it,” Schmitz said.
“One lady even said she would want it for her three Chihuahuas and a lab.”
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladailynews.com.
