By John Kubal | The Brookings Register
BROOKINGS – About this time each year when many non-snowbirding Brookings residents have had their fill of winter woes, there come along annual events that let them know that spring and summer will return: One of those is the Brookings Regional Builders Association Home & Outdoor Show at the Dacotah Bank Center.
Now in its 34th year, it will show up today from 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — and it offers free admission. The association notes that its goal is to offer “new products, fresh ideas, and expert advice to enhance your home’s beauty, comfort and value.”
“We’re trying to reach people in the community that are looking into remodeling, building, rebuilding and want to talk to vendors and other people, such as realtors, banks, construction workers – about 60 in all,” explained Rena Berg, a real estate agent and executive officer of the association. “Everyone will be set up in their booths.”
“Our goal is to get more and more in Brookings,” Berg said of the pitch to get more local businesses participating. “There are a lot from Sioux Falls and Watertown that come in. They must see the value in coming to Brookings and like to travel here. It must work out for them if they keep coming and driving 45 minutes to get here.” She did note that any out-of-town businesses that participate in the show back up and service whatever they sell here.
On Saturday, the Brookings Historic Preservation Commission will have two guest speakers in Daktronics Room C. At 10 a.m., “Preservation Through Design: Thoughtful Additions to Historic Homes” will be presented by Molly Richter, AIA, of Hogan Richter Architects. She has 20 years’ experience in residential design, with projects ranging from coastal homes in Maine to 19th century homes in New England and recent historical work in Sioux Falls. She’ll talk about “sensitive additions to quietly extend the life of historic homes while celebrating everything that makes them special.”
At 3 p.m., “Loving Your Historic Home – A Facilitated Discussion” will be presented by BHPC members Sandra Callies, Audra Fullerton and Janet Merriman. The trio will talk about “the challenges and benefits of living in a historic home in Brookings” and how the BHPC can help address them.
And the kiddos have not been forgotten. There’s the Children’s Construction Site, sponsored by South Dakota State University Construction, and the Kids Building Kit Project, sponsored by Lowe’s Home Improvement.
“It’s going to be a nice weekend, no blizzard this year, last year we had a blizzard,” Rena Berg said, smiling. “It’ll be sunny and 40 degrees; so come on out to the home show and check out these local vendors and patronize them. And get ready for spring.”
The DBC concession stand will be open for food and drink.
For more information, call 605-692-5405; email [email protected].; or visit www.brookingsregionalbuilders.com.
— Contact John Kubal at [email protected]. The BRBA and the BHPC contributed to this report.
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