Feb. 25, 2022

How in demand are home improvement projects? Enough that vendors wanting to share their offerings filled up the annual Sioux Empire Home Show so much that organizers opened up additional space.

“So it’s definitely a full show,” said co-chair Will DeWitt, owner of Unlimited Concrete.

“I think we’re going to have really good attendance. People from out of town who have never been here, if they did buy or are looking to move or update, they can see it all here. So I think there should be good turnout just for that reason.”

Remodelers haven’t seen a spike yet from those who moved to Sioux Falls, bought what house they could find and are looking to make it their own — but DeWitt said he thinks it’s coming.

“I think that will be part of this show,” he said. “They moved here for less (than their house cost in another state) and bought what was available, and it’s going to take awhile to build, so let’s stick some money into this house. I’ve got a customer moving from Texas, and I’ve been doing quite a few projects with people moving businesses here.”

That includes farmers, especially dairies, where “they have younger kids, and they’re on the farm a lot, so they’re building their entertainment out there,” DeWitt said.

In town, outdoor entertainment is a growing trend too.

“Whether it be spas, pools, outdoor kitchens, a lot of pergolas, anything with outdoor entertainment we’re hearing a lot about,” he said. “We’re seeing quite a few outdoor screens, so that’s a bigger trend.”

Inside, he said there’s more concrete being used in tables and a mix of modern and timeless design.

The Sioux Empire Home show is organized by the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire and runs Feb. 25-27 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center and Arena, featuring more than 225 local vendors.

For this year’s show, one feature area called Modern Oasis offers a walk-through version of a home. At more than 2,000 square feet, “it will have a little mix of everything you’ll see in a house,” DeWitt said. “Indoor fireplaces and different rooms you can walk through and see.”

And in the Arena, an Outdoor Inspirations area is comprised of products from five companies.

“We’ve got an actual swimming pool in there with some jets and LED water bowls, concrete furniture and tables and a zen fire bowl,” DeWitt said.

Kids can build wooden bird houses in the Arena and take them home for free.

While contractors are still busy with projects, DeWitt said there is capacity and supply-related issues are getting better.

“I think there’s definitely people who can take on projects,” he said. “And I think there also are newer companies trying to do things. Last month, we had 12 new members join the HBA, and that’s better than last year when we’d do a membership drive and we might only get eight. That tells me people are moving businesses here and want to get involved in the community, which is a good sign.”

Show hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free parking is available on-site, and a free shuttle will run continuously from the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds for a front-door drop off at the show entrance.

Tickets can be purchased during show hours at the Arena box office. Regular admission tickets are $7 for adults and teens — kids younger than 12 are free — or $6 for those 65 and older, and a $10 three-day wristband can be purchased.

For $1 off regular admission, a  coupon can be printed from the event website at hbasiouxempire.com or “like” the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire’s Facebook page and show that on your smartphone when purchasing tickets for a dollar off.