Youth groups benefit from home show

By Jill Broecher, Journal correspondent | Sunday, March 09, 2008

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SPEARFISH -- Bringing products like boats and hot tubs to consumers isn't the Spearfish Optimist Club's only goal for its annual Home and Trade Show this weekend.

Club members collect several thousand pounds of canned and boxed food donations for a food pantry, and all the proceeds from the show are donated to youth organizations in the community.

From all of its projects, the club raises about $30,000 each year and gives it to 52 area youth groups in the form of grants.

"It really has an impact on these kids, and that's why we do this. We just want a chance to give back to the community," club president Scott Gannaway said.

He expected about 3,000 people at this year's home show, the 22nd annual, held at the Donald E. Young Center field house at Black Hills State University.

"This area is an important market in the Northern Hills, so we get vendors and consumers from all over this region," Gannaway said.

Turnout seems to be get better each year, he said, attributing the show's popularity to the warm weather and upcoming spring season, as many of the vendors are from landscaping and construction companies.

With more than 100 vendors selling everything from beauty products to boats, the show has something to offer everyone.

"We like to come here every year and see some of our neighbors and friends," Deb Kullerd of Spearfish said, motioning to her husband. "But this year, we're getting an idea of what's out there because we plan on building in the next few years."

The show continues Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, and donations of food are welcomed.