At the Anaheim Convention Center in Orange County, about 200 businesses or companies participated in the Spring Home and Garden Expo last weekend (April 19-21). This marks the tenth year of the event held here, with nearly 7,000 registered attendees.
The free admission exhibition includes a wide range of aspects related to daily life, such as home interior and exterior decoration, installation and maintenance of equipment like water heaters or air conditioners, kitchenware, household items, beauty and hair care, gardening (including pest control), and more. Customers had the opportunity to negotiate directly with vendors or receive discounts.
System Pavers, a residential outdoor construction company established in 1992, specializes in renovating yards, driveways, patios, outdoor kitchens, and more. What began in Orange County has now expanded to multiple states including Arizona and Texas. Jordy and Edric introduced outdoor composite flooring made of approximately 95% recycled composite materials (including recycled plastic and sawdust), boasting a longer lifespan and durability compared to wooden floors. They also offer a 10-15 year warranty against deformation or fading due to temperature changes.
Having renovated over 90,000 homes, Edric mentioned that design and construction costs vary depending on the specific project and requirements. Jordy shared a success story of helping refurbish an entire backyard for a veteran in Texas, garnering praise and gratitude for the service and dedication to the country.
This company from Hawaii primarily offers bed linens and pillowcases made of cotton fabrics. The staff explained that their bed sheets are made from crushed bamboo fibers, providing a cooler sleeping experience. Throughout April, they are running promotions in Southern California, with many customers purchasing bed sheet sets at half the price. Some customers appreciated the environmentally friendly aspect and discounted prices, although they felt the designs and colors were somewhat limited.
At the booth of Jill and Hernandez, a collection of military photos, medals, and items were on display. Jill mentioned that these are their personal collections and not for sale, but exhibited to honor and thank the service of military personnel. They hold commemorations and burial ceremonies for military families.
Orange County is home to many veteran families. According to the California government website, over 12,000 veterans lived in the county 10 years ago, with the current estimate exceeding 80,000 individuals. Hernandez’s granddaughter is serving in the military, leading him to express respect and gratitude towards all servicemen and women, regardless of nationality or ethnicity.
Displayed photos included a picture of the Sullivan brothers, five siblings from Waterloo, Iowa, who served together on the USS Juneau during World War II. All five brothers perished when the ship was torpedoed and sank during the Guadalcanal Campaign in 1942, evoking great sadness. This tragedy led to a common desire for families to keep at least one male child at home, as depicted in the film “Saving Private Ryan”.
William from Kamstra Piano Tuning Company, with over 25 years of piano tuning and repair experience, shared insights about tuning pianos. He emphasized the importance of patience in tuning, as every person may have preferences for slightly higher or lower pitches. William also mentioned that the quality of materials like strings, hammers, soundboards, and screws can significantly impact sound quality and pricing.
He discussed how he transitioned into becoming a piano tuner, driven by his love of playing the piano and curiosity about its internal mechanisms. After training on piano tuning, he printed business cards and began his journey as a piano tuner.
The booth of “Gz Safanpark Reptile Rescue” attracted many parents and children. Ginny introduced the African Spurred Tortoise, the third largest tortoise in the world and the largest in Africa, currently facing extinction. These tortoises can grow to be massive, with nine-year-olds being bigger than a typical pot. They have a lifespan of over a hundred years and can weigh up to 200 pounds. Eric mentioned that they organize adoption events in Huntington Beach every month, welcoming interested individuals to participate or check online for further details.