Discovering New Ideas at the Aiken Home and Garden Show
On a slightly drizzly morning in Aiken, the buzz was palpable at the 13th Annual Home and Garden Show, hosted at the welcoming confines of St. John’s Methodist Church. With rain showers early in the day and overcast skies looming overhead, the weather didn’t deter the community from coming out to explore all the fantastic local talents and resources. The high that day reached a warm 82°F, with gentle winds stirring the excitement in the air.
A Showcase of Local Creativity and Expertise
From concrete to cutlery and everything in between, the gymnasium was filled with booths from an array of local vendors. Many had excellent suggestions and products aimed at empowering homeowners and fostering community. Among them was Donnie Bates from Bates and Sons, who was busy sharing insights on window and screen solutions with visitors Janet and Don Mauldin.
Not all the booths were focused on home repairs; culinary delights also took center stage. Chef Alessandro Danieli brought a delightful mix of humor and practicality to his presentation, engaging attendees with tips on the importance of high-quality cookware. With a dash of fresh ingredients and a sprinkle of laughter, he certainly awakened the chef in many attendees!
Supporting Local Businesses
This year’s event was a wonderful mix of renowned brands, like Leaf Filter, and delightful local artisans. A notable newcomer was Mama’s Candle Company, represented by Morgan Desrosiers, who shared her first experience at a vendor event. With her little helpers—two-year-old Maeve and almost-two Paisley—by her side, she explained how her family support team keeps her motivated as she creates beautiful, aromatic candles. It appears that Maeve is quite the little chef in training, thinking she’s cooking up magic rather than just making candles!
The gym was also buzzing with organizations like Mrs. Bea’s Pickles and the Aiken Council of Garden Clubs, among others. DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen showcased stunning renovations that sparked many ideas for future home improvement projects. Aiken-based Southern Carolina Palms and More displayed a variety of plants and landscaping supplies, promising to transform any yard into a paradise.
Tree Services and Community Contributions
Representatives from Southern Grind Stump and Tree Removal highlighted their tree care services. Owner Cody Mantooth passionately explained the comprehensive range of tree-related services his team offers, ensuring attendees felt reassured about tackling their own yard tasks.
This year’s show not only provided a platform for local vendors but also encouraged visitors to make a small $1 donation to the Children’s Place, a vital nonprofit aimed at helping children and families recover from trauma. Such initiatives showcase the heart of Aiken’s community as it nurtures its families and fosters local development.
Looking Forward to More
As the first day of the Home and Garden Show wrapped up, many attendees were already eager for the second day of events. With Saturday’s schedule set from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., there’s still plenty of time to explore the various offerings and engage with local creatives.
It’s always heartening to see a community come together in support of its members, sharing knowledge, enhancing homes, and cultivating connections. No matter what your needs may be—be it sprucing up your garden, upgrading your kitchen, or finding quaint local products—the Aiken Home and Garden Show has something for everyone!
