Beckley, W. Va. (WOAY)- The Raleigh County Convention Center was buzzing with activity today as it hosted two major events under one roof: the Home and Leisure Show and the Hunting and Fishing Show. The dual events brought families, outdoor enthusiasts, and homeowners together from across southern West Virginia.
Beth Regier, general manager with Southern Communications, says the events continue through the weekend with major giveaways planned for local kids.
“So, we’re out here today and tomorrow,” Regier said. “We’ll be here today from one to seven and tomorrow from ten to five for the 105.9 WTJ Hunting and Fishing Show. Tomorrow we’re also doing our big grand finale for the Buck and Doe photo contest. On 105.9 WTJ, we’re going to be giving away over thirty thousand dollars in prizes tomorrow to kids in our community who come out.”
The Home and Leisure Show also gave local businesses a chance to connect directly with residents looking for home improvement ideas and services.
“As far as this weekend goes, it’s great,” said Jason Reger, president of the Southern West Virginia Homeowners Association. “Other than the weather, it’s a great venue for all businesses here in the area, not only suppliers but contractors as well, to display and showcase to the public what they have to offer in materials and services.”
The event brought together vendors from a wide range of specialty shops, including lumber and roofing companies serving the region.
Kevin Kuhn, owner of TruLine, says the show is about giving back as much as it is about business.
“We’ve been doing the Home and Leisure Show for the past several years,” Kuhn said. “It’s a good way to meet people in the community and a good way to pour back into the people in the community. We do a lot of business in Beckley and the surrounding areas, and this was a way for us to give back. This year, we’re giving a roof away after the Home Show and Women’s Expo. Anybody that registers, we’re going to try to give a roof away to help give back to the community we live in.”
On the hunting and fishing side of the convention center, outdoor entrepreneurs showcased their products and services. We also spoke with Kenny Davis, host of Whitetail Frenzy, a national television show based in West Virginia, who was offering some exciting prizes.
“We take one of the winners on a filmed hunt and air it on national TV,” Davis said. “We take them trout fishing, turkey hunting, camping, the whole nine yards. We also have a lot of other giveaways for kids in the competition and photo contest. Over the years, we’ve gotten known for harvesting a lot of big bucks here in the Mountain State. While we hunt all over, we really focus on West Virginia. Over the past few years, we’ve evolved into doing more for kids in the community, working with the DNR and hosting veterans hunts to get kids and veterans involved in the outdoors.”
Both events continue through the weekend, offering shopping, giveaways, and family friendly fun for the community.
