March 24, 2014 at 1:00 p.m.
Huge crowd attends 2014 Hodag Home Show
Huge crowd attends 2014 Hodag Home Show
Turnout for the event was high as some 2,000 people came through the doors. Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dana DeMet said it was a very successful weekend.
"Overall, it was a very successful show this year," DeMet said. "We had a lot of positive feedback from our vendors at the show, some of which saw three times as many leads as they had been expecting as a result of the show. Overall, it was a general success."
The main goal of the show is to share information. Vendors filled the gymnasium, commons and parking lot of the high school hoping to attach new customers.
Each vendor had a different version of the same goal in mind. Some vendors were newer businesses that were focusing on building name recognition while others were highlighting well-established services.
For a few businesses, this was their first time attending the home show.
"The goal for us being here at the home show is to introduce Pawz N Clawz to a larger population," said owner Dan Gallagher.
"We've seen a lot of people that didn't know that we were in Rhinelander, so it's been very helpful for us. I've been talking to hundreds of people so it's really been really good."
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Northwoods was another newcomer to this year's home show.
"We're here to meet and greet and say hello to people and let them know what we do," BBBS Development and Marketing Coordinator Mary Kinnunen said
"Our main goal here is just to introduce ourselves and to let people know about our Bowl for Kids' Sake event on April 4. Plus, if people are interesting in becoming a big brother or big sister, we're taking their information to get that process going.
Kinnunen said the home show presented a wonderful opportunity for BBBS to introduce itself to the community.
"Being new in the community the most amazing thing about it is even though people may not be familiar with it, the reputation of Big Brothers Big Sisters is so strong, they get a smile on their face and ask if there's anything they can do to help us," Kinnunen said.
"The community's been great to us so far."
As for returning businesses, home improvement vendors were popular this year after a brutal winter.
"Lot of people asking about renewable fuels, pellets, wood, all that. With the winter we had, a lot of people are interested in finding out more about their options when it comes to heating their home and keeping energy costs down," said Wally Dahlquist, owner of Dahlquist Heating and Cooling in Rhinelander.
"It's been a great time here. (We) talked to a lot of people about stuff (and we've) been able to help quite a few out when it comes to their heating bills. (It has) been a great time, but the home show always is."
Given that the goal of the home show is to share information, the event can be deemed a success if the people walking out the door know more than when they came in. Talking with some of the participants, it appeared like the event could be deemed a success.
"I found out a lot. Seems like there were more new businesses this year than before so that's a great sign," Jim Charleston said.
"I just like coming to this thing every year because it seems like I always learn something. This year, I learned there are more businesses out there in town than I thought. That surprised me but it sure is a good surprise. Nice to see we're coming back and getting stronger."
Others were just having fun.
"I come every year. I learn things, I get an idea for spring projects - if spring ever actually shows up. It's just a great way to get in that project mood," Bob Stinger said.
"Now, if the snow would just melt, I'd like to get started on my projects."
Marcus Nesemann may be reached at [email protected].
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