Young Harris, Ga. — The eighth annual Northeast Georgia/Western North Carolina Home & Garden Show was a success, with 4,500 attendees and 64 vendors participating.
The free event was held Saturday and Sunday at the Towns County Recreation & Conference Center, drawing in residents and visitors from surrounding areas. The many vendors included Summer Accents by Water Canopy LLC, which had huge patio and deck umbrellas in various colors on display that even offered lighting – perfect for mountain evenings.
Karen and Jack Pattillo with Family Affair were set up with colorful yard art, rain chains, spinners and more. Their products were bright and cheerful, making for fun yard attire.
It was the first time for Andrews, N.C,. residents Shanna Mustin and her daughter, Mattie, to attend the show as vendors. Mustin was selling leather goods – such as wallets, jewelry and handbags – while her daughter was displaying her craft of fused glass jewelry.
Mattie has been making the glass jewelry since she was in the third grade. Her items included bracelets, earrings and necklaces, and can be found at Rare Bird Emporium in Murphy, N.C.
Mustin said of her time at the show with her daughter, “It’s been a learning experience for us, we’ve never done a show this big. It’s been worth our time to be here.”
Judy Bruce, owner of Cruise Planners Travel Agency in Murphy, was available to assist people who were looking to travel. She has been a vendor for a few years.
“This is awesome. It’s been a really nice day for us,” she said. “It’s always been a good show, and I’ve met a lot of my clients here.”
Ben Adams of Murphy was seen sampling products at the Keto Crafters booth.
“I’m gonna buy one of these,” he said. “This is an amazing show, we should have more of these around the area. This man is selling Cajun Candy Crack.”
The jar of goodness is actually a candied Jalapeño relish. Adams added, “It’s an amazing product with no added sugars. We’re thankful that he makes this stuff.”
Keto Crafters and Red Neck Chefs was also selling Keto BBQ, Raspberry Jalapeño jam and Hot Pepper jam. The Home & Garden Show offered an opportunity to enter your name for give-a-ways of products donated by various vendors, and many tables had freebie items for those who wanted them.
A small and adorable 3-year-old girl was helping to promote a business. Camille Stewart was attached to vendors from RRG Roofing & Gutters, which were friendly and helpful.
Camille was spinning a prize wheel and drawing attention to the business wearing a little blue T-shirt with the company logo on it. RRG “touts” – the last roofer you’ll ever need.
Numerous other products and services included Baptist Retirement Communities of Georgia, AirMedCare, Mountain Life Window Tinting and AquaGuard Foundation Solutions. Folks were selling hair products, bedding, snacks and tools as well as sealing products for decks, driveways and sidewalks.
People were gathering in groups to learn about certain products, such as cookware. The groups resembled a classroom setting, and some vendors even offered big discounts on their product.
Travel agencies and real estate companies were represented. Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corp. was also at the show, answering questions and offering free items.
Wayne Boswell’s company, Joy Filled Foods, had a mission, as 10 percent of its profits go to charities that support children. They make pre-packaged, nut-based snacks.
When asked how he felt about being part of the Home & Garden Show, Boswell said, “I’ve enjoyed it so far, and I’ve met a lot of good people here.”
One visitor to the show, Patricia Sackett of Blairsville, said, “We just bought a house a year ago, so we’re here looking for ideas.”
The overall atmosphere was friendly and festive. No money had to be spent in order to walk away with a ditty-bag filled with various items, which made attendees to the show happy.
Expo Management Inc. of Andrews hosted the eighth annual Northeast Georgia/Western North Carolina Home & Garden Show. The Cherokee Scout was one of the sponsors. For details, call Bill Anderson at 855-321-2110, Ext. 20.