Home show a fundraiser for service club

Spring projects, new construction and renovations featured at weekend event

Spring projects, new construction and renovations will be top of the heap at an annual home show taking place this weekend in Coxheath.

There will be more than 40 exhibitors taking part in the display, which is marking its 35th year.

The Sydney-Riverview Y’s Men’s event runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

An annual fundraiser for the Coxheathbased organization, the home show requires months of planning and preparation by 20 club members.

The club was formed about five years ago with the amalgamation of the Sydney Y’s Men’s Club and the Riverview Y’s Men’s Club.

“It was a great amalgamation for both clubs,” said member Laurie Murchison. “It allowed us to do a lot more work together and get a lot more things done in the community.

“For an event like this, everybody plays a role. It’s been a very successful 35 years, to be honest with you.”

Among the exhibitors will be local experts in gardening, lawns, home renovation, building supplies, decks, docks, swimming pools and hot tubs, along with financial advisors.

According to Murchison, last year’s show drew a crowd of about 3,500 people.

Another huge draw for show participants are annual door prizes, including this year’s top prize of a weekend getaway at the Normaway Inn in the Margaree Valley.

“There’s been such great attendance over the 35 years,” said Murchison. “That’s what brings the exhibitors back … and the exhibitors like that they have an opportunity to speak to people.”

Considered the club’s biggest fundraiser, Murchison said monies raised help members carry out invaluable community work including supporting the Horizon Achievement Centre’s building fund.

Another regular recipient of Y’s Men’s charity work is L’Arche Cape Breton, which has an established community in and around Orangedale for men and women living with developmental disabilities.

As part of the home show, L’Arche has been provided with its own booth free of charge to showcase crafts and artwork by some of its members.

Murchison said the Y’s Men’s club also provides unpublicized donations to individual families to help them overcome significant life challenges.

The club ranges in size from 25-28 people, with new members always welcome.