Home Show brings Topekans out before winter storm

Call it luck or excellent marketing strategy, but having hot tubs for sale near the entrance of the Kansas Expocentre certainly had a draw Saturday.

DeVaders Pool and Spas, 841 S.W. Fairlawn, had hot tubs on display for the Topeka Home Show, attracting both the interested and hopeful masses venturing inside the Expocentre from the 5-degree weather. Salesman Ed Lenherr said he had seen at least 400 people walk past, many ogling some warming hands against the bubbling water.

Everyone wants a hot tub, he said. Theyre fun, therapeutic, relaxing. Its one of those things youve got to talk yourself into getting.

Topeka couple Bob and Tami McManes idled near one of the tubs. The couple will close on a home Monday, so the timing for the home show couldnt have been much better. The two are moving into a duplex in a maintenance-provided neighborhood, meaning they likely have more stringent rules with what they can put outside.

If I thought I could put one on our back deck, I would, Tami McManes, 55, said of a hot tub. When you get old like us, the idea of a spray of water massaging your back is appealing.

Other weather-related attractions heaters, fireplaces and insulation.

Weve always had someone here, said Tim Mulroy, president of Black Gold Inc., 2404 N.E. Grantville Road. Everybody is ready for spring.

The Topeka Home show runs Friday through Sunday, featuring more than 120 local, state and national vendors.

Despite the forecast of at least 6 inches of snow Sunday, the show will go on, said John Fiedler, sales manager for Custom Wood Products Inc. and one of the events organizers.

If you missed today, call up the street crews and tell them to plow your street so you can get out here, Fiedler said.

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Home Show brings Topekans out before winter storm