MUSKEGON, Mich — If all goes as planned the annual Muskegon Lakeshore Home and Garden show will take place in April at the new VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center.
And because of the large space for exhibitors to show their products and services the show is expanding, adding boat dealers and marine exhibitors.
The Muskegon Lakeshore Home, Garden and Boat show will feature over 50 exhibitors including everything from windows, siding, painting, home décor, landscaping and boat dealers. Do-It-Yourself and demonstration seminars will also be offered. Applications for exhibitors and seminar instructors are now open.
The show will be held Friday, April 16 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Muskegon.
Construction on the new convention center is drawing to a close. Thursday workers were installing flooring, painting, and placing wall panels.
The meeting and event venue on Western Avenue offers 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting space attached to the newly renovated Delta Hotels by Marriott Muskegon.
“We are excited to be growing the Home, Garden and Boat Show to showcase even more great local businesses on the Muskegon Lakeshore,” said Cindy Larsen, president of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce. “This will be the first public event held in our new convention center and we are happy to help bring attention to this great new asset in our community.”
Larsen and chamber staff planning the event are well aware the show could be impacted by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“We are hopeful that by April, we are able to have indoor events with limited capacity,” said Larsen. “We will be following all timely and necessary COVID guidelines. Ensuring the safety of exhibitors and attendees is our top priority.”
The chamber's 2020 show ended early because COVID-19 shutdowns were just beginning in the Muskegon area as the show opened.
"We had to end the show right in the middle," said Larsen. "It was very disappointing. We're going to do whatever it takes to have that show this year."
The city of Muskegon and County of Muskegon are expected to hold a ribbon cutting event to open the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center prior to the show. Limited tours of the facility for community members may also be offered.
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