Bob Laman, left, and Danny Miller talk during The Lima Noon Optimist Home Show at the Allen County Fairgrounds Friday afternoon. The Lima Noon Optimist Home Show is the main fundraiser for the service organization. The proceeds from the show support numerous Lima-area youth activities. The show is held annually the 2nd weekend in March.
LIMA — For the 73rd year of a regional tradition, the Lima Noon Optimist Club kicked off its annual home show Friday evening. The Allen County fairgrounds hosted hundreds of community members to showcase various businesses that focus on home improvement. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStore and The Window Doctor provided the community with resources they may need for the warm coming season.
Lima Noon Optimist Club member Bob Laman, who has served the organization for over 40 years, weighed in on this year’s event.
“We have a number of vendors every year and they sell a multitude of items,” said Laman. “All the money raised goes to the Lima Noon Optimist Club. It helps our big organizations like Safety City or the Youth Symphony Orchestra. And Toys for Tots is another big program we do.”
Laman said each booth will set up and sell a multitude of items, and also get to talk with home show patrons.
“We have two and a half buildings this year and a car show and all kinds of items we are giving away this year and a fifty-fifty drawing,” said Laman. “There are home improvement vendors and our satellite connection has been here for years. Bath Fitters and Thermal Gard Window & Door have been here for years. If you want to do anything around the home this is the place to come and get estimates.”
The club also sponsors various events during the year like the Safety City Trick or Treat and the Community Expo.
One vendor, Motteriffic Creations, joined the show for the first time this year to showcase its business of music and photo booths. The organization joined the show after learning about it from the Lima Noon Optimist Club President Jennifer Fitzpatrick.
“Our newest thing is a 360 video booth,” said Kerri Motter. “You stand on the platform and then the camera goes around. We do a lot of weddings and graduation parties. We also have backdrops and things as well.”
Fortunately, the show is not over yet. Doors will be open at the Allen County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and noon until 5 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information visit their website at www.limaoptimist.com.
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
