Home Show a community effort

The stage is set for the 21st annual Caledon Chamber of Commerce Home Show. The showcase of Caledon-based businesses runs April 20, 21 and 22 at the Don Sheardown Memorial Arena in Bolton.

Admission to the show is free this year, thanks to the generosity of door sponsors who graciously covered the costs. Pitching in are Summit Dodge Chrysler Jeep, Paul Coffey's Bolton Toyota and the collective members of the Chamber.

Also, arrangements were made for an outdoor BBQ grill to be set up, so sponsors can use them and raise money for charity. The Friday BBQ, starting at 5 p.m., will benefit Caledon Soccer and Caledon East Scouts. Proceeds from the pancake breakfast Sunday morning and BBQ will go to the Caledon Cougars youth basketball group. The Cougars will also set up some basketball nets for locals to enjoy a few shots.

Party Magic has provided an outdoor tent for showgoers.

Bolton Rotary will be holding the pancake breakfast from 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday.

The community spirit begins before you even get through the door!

The major sponsor this year is Bell Canada, which is raising the profile of its Sympatico High Speed Unplugged, which offers wireless Internet access anywhere there's a power outlet. This is ideally suited to many rural Caledon residents who just don't have access to cable Internet services.

Children will enjoy a visit with Annie-Lynn the Clown when they drop off their colouring contest entries to the Bell Booth. This year the prize for the colouring contest, donated by Bell Canada, are bicycles for the entire family. Kids can download the colouring contest page from the Chamber Web site www.caledonchamber.com or pick up the entry at Bell World on 40 McEwan Drive East or the Chamber office 12598 Hwy. 50 South, Bolton.

The Kids Craft Corner, sponsored by James Dick, will provide free crafts for the children all weekend long, supervised by staff from Sensory Garden.

Glen Eagle will sponsor a golf clinic, 6-7 p.m.; Saturday; noon-1 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to noon Sunday. You'll also have a chance to practise your swing.

Courtesy of Hickory Dickory Decks, the Revive Cheerleaders will perform.

While at the show, why not visit the Friends of the Library Monster Book Sale upstairs in the auditorium. It runs Friday from 2-9 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

More than 70 exhibitors will be participating in this year's show and many will offer free draws at their booths. You could be the lucky winner of Hickory Dickory Decks $10,000 Dream Deck give-away.

One of the best reasons of all to visit the home show is to support your community and local businesses, meet the exhibitors and see the quality products and services available in your own backyard.

Kelly Darnley, president of the Chamber, said it's a community event to promote local businesses. It's an opportunity to meet and greet your neighbourhood professionals. Shopping locally is the key to the strength of any community and this showcase offers a glimpse of just what's available in Caledon.

To sweeten the pot, there are many draw prizes at the Home Show, and many booths will offer their own give-aways. Summit Dodge is giving away a melton jacket and Toyota is offering an auto spa package. Beachcomber is giving away a Rave Mombo with two rope for some summer fun.

Don't miss the ever popular Penny Raffle. Local businesses and home show exhibitors will have great prizes for you to win such as a bowling party donated by Skyview Lanes, mini DVD player from Oxford Learning Centre and a Trisha Romance plate from Bell's Framing and Fine Art just to name a few.

The Home Show runs 4-9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The opening ceremonies Friday will include several local dignitaries and entertainment by the Caledon Treblemakers.

For more, contact the Chamber at 905-857-7393.