Galloway Ace Hardware to Participate in Home and Garden Show

Last year was Galloway Ace Hardware’s first experience with the New Jersey Home and Garden Show, and the response was strong enough that there was no question the hardware store would return this year.

The show takes place at the Atlantic City Convention Center next Friday, March 8, through Sunday, March 10, and ACE Hardware is bringing back the Big Green Egg, Weber Grills and a variety of heavy duty patio furniture.

“Last year, we established ourselves as the destination for the Big Green Egg,” Galloway Ace Hardware General Manager Bill Pitt said. “There’s not too many people around here who carry them. People stopped and asked about them, we handed out brochures. The interest was there.”

Although he isn’t sure how much business the show actually generated, Pitt said the Big Green Egg, a grill, slow cooker and smoker, has become a big seller for the store.

“It has a cult following,” Pitt said. “People get together and swap recipes, have cooking demonstrations and blog about it.”

This is the 13^th year of the Home and Garden Show, and Galloway Ace Hardware made its first appearance at the event last year at the suggestion of a customer who does landscaping.

There are six Ace Hardware stores in the area owned by Joe Smith, including the Galloway store. The others are in Atlantic City, Brigantine, Northfield, Egg Harbor Township and Vineland. The Galloway store opened in 1994.

It will be at the show during all show hours, which will be as follows: March 8, 2-7 p.m.; March 9, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and March 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

The show includes demonstrations from a variety of subjects, including landscapes and outdoor living, pools and spas, home security, and solar energy.

There will be free seminars on a variety of home improvement and related topics, including cooking and basket weaving. There will also be a complimentary wine tasting, an expanded art, gift and gourmet area, a Kid’s Zone, green living exhibits and a special presentation by Roger Hazard, of A&E’s “Sell This House,” TV show.

Tickets are $8.50 for adults 17 and older; $5 for seniors and retired military; and free for active military with valid identification. Children 16 and under are admitted free. Attendees pay once for the whole weekend.