The whipping that houses and landscapes took from ice and wind last fall and the pummeling from snow and the deep freeze last month gave homeowners plenty of reason to go to the OKC Home + Outdoor Living Show this weekend.
For many, a chance to get out of the house after being stuck inside for a year because of the coronavirus just adds to the attraction. Masks and social distancing will be required, but for people who aren’t ready to be in a crowd, there is a virtual option.
“I think it’s going to be a great show. A whole lot of people are looking for a reason to get out and do something they haven’t done in a long time,” said Scott McCollom, owner of McRoof, an exhibitor.
The show will be at the OKC Fairgrounds from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The show entrance will be at the south lobby of the Bennett Event Center, with free parking.
Adult admission will be $10 at the box office and $8 online. Children 12 and under will be admitted for free with a paying adult. Senior special, Friday only, tickets will be $7 at the box office or online. After 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, adult tickets at the box office will be $6.
Tickets purchased for the canceled 2020 OKC Home + Outdoor Living Show are valid for this show.
“With our private spaces now serving as classrooms, gyms, recreation centers and home offices — some likely permanent shifts — now is a great opportunity to outfit homes for our new and unique needs,” show organizers said. “The pandemic hasn’t had the same pause effect on warming temperatures, garden tools, home improvement plans and outdoor accessories, which have been itching to make their spring debuts.
“At the OKC Home + Outdoor Living Show, visitors can get a jump on those spring cleaning, home improvement and landscaping projects. They can also avoid long shipping times by exploring Oklahoma’s local vendors and visit the show’s first-ever virtual showroom where access to exhibitors and information is in one convenient place.”
About those roofs
Most roof damage last fall was minor, unless a tree fell on a house, said McCollom, who will broadcast his Saturday radio show from the fairgrounds at 11 a.m. on KOKC-FM 95.3.
Damage from the heavy snow and prolonged deep freeze in February cost some people in more ways than one, he said.
People who had roof repairs done without a thorough inspection, by a qualified inspector, he said, may have paid out of pocket for repairs to the winter damage. A hail claim would have gotten them a whole new roof.
Hail damage can go undetected, but a claim can be filed as long as the damage can tied to a specific storm — and that’s not hard to do, MCollom said.
“I think every roof in Oklahoma needs to be inspected,” he said.
The McRoof booth will feature a playhouse, which visitors can have a chance to win by raffle with all proceeds benefiting Honoring America’s Warriors.
About the show
In addition to more than 200 exhibitors, experts and craftsmen, the show will offer:
⦁ Outdoor Oasis, created by Spartan Pool & Patio, for inspiration for a backyard retreat. ⦁ See outdoor recreation and gardening exhibits and make plans for water, woods and other outdoor spaces.
⦁ The Pet Plaza will feature all things pet related, from collars and accessories to specialized care items and services.
⦁ The Homegrown Marketplace will have local artisans’ handcrafted items, including specialty home decor, food, art pieces and more.
⦁ The Wine Village will have five local wineries selling award-winning bottles to take home and enjoy.
Special admission days
The show also will feature special admission days and times for some visitors.
⦁ Friday is Trade Day when all home-related tradespeople or members of an affiliated association get into the show for free. Show your ID or business card at the box office for entry.
⦁ On Friday visitors over 65 years old enjoy Senior Special admission, with $7 discounted admission.
⦁ Sunday is Hero Day. All military, first responders, healthcare workers and teachers will receive free admission with a valid ID at the box office.
Real Estate Editor Richard Mize edits The Oklahoman’s Real Estate section, and covers housing, construction, commercial real estate, and related topics for the newspaper and Oklahoman.com. Contact him at [email protected]. Please support his work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a subscription at http://subscribe.oklahoman.com.
