By Vanessa Balintec

This weekend marks the return of the Haliburton Home and Cottage Show known for its unique vendors hard-working volunteers and ability to draw in thousands of people each year.

The event sponsored by Haliburton Curling Club features vendors from the county and across the province promoting anything needed for home and cottage life. Visitors can find expert advice and promotions for a variety of things that range from home decor and arts and crafts to landscaping construction and car truck boat and ATV specialities.

With the help of 130 volunteers who help manage things like food sales and parking during the event the Haliburton Home and Cottage Show will host over 130 exhibitors with more than half being local businesses. Rick Ashall the lead manager of the show says as one of the largest home and cottage shows in Central Ontario the show is expecting more than 3000 visitors.

“For a small village it’s incredible” said Ashall. “You don’t have to travel the entire county or broader to get advice or sales. A lot of people come out. ”

According to Ashall visitors have the chance to win draws held by select vendors and the Haliburton Curling Club. And same as last year the show will help raise money for Food for Kids Haliburton.

Ashall says he’s always taking feedback from visitors and vendors to improve the experience each year.

This year’s event has a new free doggie daycare service that will allow visitors with non-service dogs to drop off their pets with volunteers and businesses while they peruse the show.

“It’s the steps we take as a volunteer organization that most shows wouldn’t” said Ashall.

The show will be held at the A.J. LaRue Arena Haliburton Curling Club and surrounding outside area at 730 Mountain Street with free parking available. Admission is $3 for adults and free for children under 12. The show will run all weekend long beginning on Friday May 31 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday’s show will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday’s show will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.