Unique, fun events and educational exhibits will be showcased at the Four Corners Home and Garden Show happening May 2-3 at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds.
Much effort and thought is put into the event now in its 14th year. It is sponsored by the Four Corners Builders Association.
"We changed it up a bit this year by presenting activities that highlight the talents of our young adults and students," said coordinator Vonnie Robinson. "We want to make the community aware of what great kids we have here."
Southwest Colorado Community College will have a Learning Lab trailer on site. Health sciences students will offer blood pressure tests and well-being information. Students from SCCC cosmetology department will be presenting grooming tips.
After primping advice, get industrial by trying out the college's nifty welding simulator. Actual welding equipment will be on hand as well.
"Bring in small welding-repair jobs, and the students will show off their skills," Robinson said.
A unique landscaping competition put on by Montezuma-Cortez High School students will take place with the audience voting on the winners. The winner of a silent auction gets to take the supplies home to freshen up their yard or business.
"It's interesting to see what the kids come up with," Robinson said.
Another popular event is the pet-house contest, also organized by Cortez High students. Build your best bird houses, dog houses, cat crawls and ferret homes. The items are bid on by the public. Half the proceeds go to fund supplies for the school's industrial technical class. The other half goes to the builder.
"Get your scrap lumber and put something together. It all goes to a good cause," Robinson said.
Proceeds from silent auctions also help fund two $500 education scholarships awarded to students from Montezuma and Dolores counties.
This year's show will again include a classic car exhibit on Saturday. The audience judges the best cars, and prize are awarded.
The show is a venue for businesses to promote their services and products, as well as to display developments in home items, interior decorating, gardening, landscaping, building and home technologies.
As many as 5,000 people attend the show each year, with exhibitors coming from Colorado's Front Range, Florida, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Minnesota, and elsewhere, as well as the regional communities of Cortez, Dolores, Mancos, Telluride, Grand Junction, and Farmington.
Another service offered is an electronic recycling center. Dispose of an old TV, computer tower or laptop for $10. Ink cartridge disposal is free.
Presentations will be given on home safety for the elderly, electricity safety, and how to outsmart your smart phone, among others.
The event costs $3. But if you bring in non-perishable food for the Good Samaritan Center, you get a $1 off. Children under age 12 get in free. On Friday, the event goes from noon to 6 p.m. and on Saturday it goes from 9-5.
For more information contact Vonnie at (970) 565-1771 or check out the website at www.fourcornershomeandgardenshow.com
jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com
