There’s no place like a brand new home:Today is last for Home Show at Civic Center

By CHARLES W. JOHNSON / News Editor for the Southern Standard

“Ah, this is the life,” young Gavin Laxon seems to be thinking as he relaxes in the oversized swing at the Pioneer Building Supply booth during Home Show 2004. Gavin is the 6-year-old son of Michael and Mary Beth Laxon. (Charles W. Johnson photo)

McMinnville Civic Center has bustled this weekend as the Warren County Home Builders Association sponsored Home Show 2004, the seventh such event since the exhibition began in 1988.

The show features 56 booths with businesses ranging from building contractors to audio and video system retailers. The show was open Friday and Saturday and will continue from 1 to 4 p.m. today.

“The Home show is going great,” said McMinnville Electric System’s Jane Flatt. “Lots of people wandering through. They seem to be interested in seeing all the exhibitors, so it’s going well.”

Flatt said MES has been a faithful participant in the Home Show over the years.

“I think we’ve been in every Home Show they’ve had,” she said. “And this year is a special year for us. We’re celebrating our 65th anniversary, 65 years of reliable service of reliable service to the city of McMinnville.”

Anthony Malone, of Anthony Malone Remodeling, agreed.

“We have a lot of good participants in the show,” he said. “They’ve brought us some new ideas and some new things. There’s been a good steady crowd going through all day.”

Malone pointed out the building industry is a significant source of regional jobs.

“It’s a real good employer,” he said. “For each home that is built, the state of Tennessee says it employs around 240 people per house.”

Malone said local leaders need to look at promoting home building, since it could have a major effect on the economy.

“It’s one of the few things in the nation right now that has positive growth in the job sector,” he said.

Local officials were also on hand at the Home Show, pleased with the wide variety of businesses that participated.

“I’m really impressed with all the local businesses out here showing their products,” said County Commissioner David Vandagriff. “It’s positive for the community.”