BROADALBIN-Area home improvement experts and local craftsmen set up shop to support what they said was a good cause at the first Home Show and Craft Fair organized by the Broadalbin Youth Commission.
Having already raised about $70,000 by hosting an annual golf tournament for the last seven years, the BYC began organizing the show in the summer and plans to hold the event annually. All proceeds will go toward a town fund to construct what is estimated to be a $1.5 million park on unoccupied town land at the intersection of Route 29 and Honeywell Corners Road.
Home Show Coordinator Keith Buchanan said the BYC anticipated raising close to $10,000 Saturday and today to put toward the group's goal of building the park without taxpayer dollars. By about 3 p.m. Saturday Buchanan said about 450 people showed up to peruse the latest in home improvement and local crafts. The BYC also is raffling off tables full of an assortment of prizes from an Alpaca-fiber scarf to gift cards to a tank of oil. Buchanan said most of the prizes were donated by the show's vendors who have shown great support for the park.
A $100 charge upfront purchased a vendor booth space, with $25 refundable if they stay for both days.
"Our price is the lowest in the area," Buchanan said, who pointed to higher-priced booths that cost as much as $900 at shows in the capital region.
"We've got vendors asking for two booth spaces for next year," Buchanan said.
Rodney Murphy, the owner of H & M Equipment Co. in?Amsterdam, displayed a utility vehicle and tractor at the show. He said it was important for him to be there to support the community.
"We did this one because it's our school," he said.
"It's a great opportunity for the community," Katie Murphy, his wife, said.
John Doherty, who owns The Doherty Window Co. in Johnstown, featured a new window called "the tribute" that requires no maintenance aside from cleaning and cuts energy costs.
Doherty said the turnout was "way more than he expected."
"I've been donating to the youth commission for quite a few years, so it was important for me," he said.
Thom Burrows and his wife, Judy Burrows, went to the show to buy from local craftsmen.
"We like to support all the local people as much as we can," Judy Burrows said.
Valerie Orlowski, owner of Blue Hen Furniture in Amsterdam, bought three booth spaces to showcase Amish-made furniture and home decor by local craftsmen.
"I tried to have a nice variety to show people," Orlowski said. "My kids all grew up with the Perth Youth Commission and I wanted to support a community activity. Broadalbin has been waiting a long time [for a park] and it's a good cause."
The event will continue today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Broadalbin-Perth High School gymnasium. An admission charge of $3 offers access to about 70 different vendors, from realtors and financiers to furniture vendors, window solutions and even clothing and accessories made from Alpaca fiber.
Jennifer Clear, who has owned Alpacas at Clear View Farm, Fonda, for a little more than a year, said she has been looking for venues to showcase her skirts, sweaters, outerwear and toys made of Alpaca fiber.
"We've been looking for events and thought this one sounded like it might work," Clear said.
Highlights of the proposed town park are three baseball diamonds, two full soccer fields, a walking track and a pavilion.
"I'm happy with the way everything turned out. The vendors said they want to come back next year and that's a sign we were well-organized," said Town Supervisor Joseph DiGiacomo. "[The park] is going to be a long time coming. [The plan] is in its infancy."
Amanda Whistle can be reached by e-mail at montco@leaderherald.com
