BEST OF SHOW — Alina’s Drapery Studio of Tawas City wins the award for Best of Show on Sunday afternoon. Owner Alina Kaiserman accepts the winning plaque from Mid-Northern Michigan Builders Association President Jonathan Schirmer, left, and Show Chairman Diane Pippen, right. - Photo by Karen Rouse

Home show provided year-round improvement ideas
by Karen Rouse

OSCODA — Home building professionals, do-it-yourselfers and the curious came out of the cold to attend the 15th Annual Home Show held by the Mid-Northern Michigan Home Builders Association at the Oscoda Community Center on Friday through Sunday.

“Actually, it was well represented by businesses, although I was disappointed that only two are from Hale,” said Hale resident Roger Houthoofd.
Houthoofd said, as did many others, that he came to get ideas for his house and to see what was new in the market.

The event was a one-stop shop for ideas, answers and services. In all, there were 48 businesses and services represented. Attendees could question advanced master gardeners, confer with consultants on home designs, select furnishings, flooring, draperies, cabinets, roofing, windows, siding and doors and gather information on building a frame, modular or log home from the ground up.

People could also plug into financial, home maintenance, heating and cooling services. Additionally, attendees could find out about the AuSable Canoe Marathon, home communication, real estate and insurance products. Individuals could purchase bed sheets and contract for trash pick-up. Businesses offering building and maintenance supplies displayed sample products.

Service organizations represented included the Alcona Humane Society, St. Joseph Hospital, AuSable-Oscoda Historical Society and Oscoda Rotary Club.

Some attendees said they missed viewing heat source alternatives, such as corn and wood stoves, of which there was an abundance last year.

First time exhibitors, M’s Kitchen and Bath from West Branch, enticed customers to their booth by offering a tasty sample of a creamy artichoke dip on crackers, then engaged potential customers with a winning service style.

“We’ve had lots of interest; it’s been good,” commented co-owner Kim Lindebaum. “We’ve gotten a lot of leads.”

According to representatives of the builders association, the decision for best of show exhibit this year was the most difficult in the history of the event.

Recognition for 2008 was awarded to Alina’s Drapery Studio of Tawas City.

“This was such a surprise - there were so many wonderful business displays here,” said owner Alina Kaiserman, a second-year participant.

“We’ve had lots of interest; it’s been good,” commented co-owner Kim Lindebaum. “We’ve gotten a lot of leads.”

According to representatives of the builders association, the decision for best of show exhibit this year was the most difficult in the history of the event.

Recognition for 2008 was awarded to Alina’s Drapery Studio of Tawas City.

“This was such a surprise - there were so many wonderful business displays here,” said owner Alina Kaiserman, a second-year participant.

Sponsors of the show were Hits-FM 103.3 and 94.9 and WKJC-FM 104.7, along with Mid-Northern Michigan Home Builders Association.