On March 9 Alliance High School hosted the annual Alliance Home and Health Show presented by KCOW. The event started at 9 a.m., saw visitors until 5 p.m., and showcased many Alliance businesses and businesses from the surrounding areas, many of whom offered great deals and raffles that were exclusive to the event.
Approximately forty-five organizations and businesses were represented at the 2013 Home Show, including various service and care providers. The Rehab and Wellness Center of Box Butte General Hospital were on hand to offer free BMI (Body Mass Index) and Balance tests, services that are usually purchased in order to participate in sporting events. Another organization CH.I.P; or the Child Identification Program, was present and provided attendants free CHIP bundles which are packages that help ensure your child’s safety in case he or she gets lost.
Also being shown to the public for the first time was the new AHS green house which has been construction near the teacher’s parking lot to the west of the high school.
Sophomore Cheryl Aby, an Alliance High School student who worked at the FFA table, during the show said, “I think [the home show] was very interesting because there were a variety of different things to see and do.” For example, students involved in FFA tested water samples brought in by the public for their contribution to the fair. The samples were checked for things such as certain nitrates which are believed to cause Blue Baby Syndrome, which is a disease in babies that prevents their blood cells from carrying enough oxygen to the body’s cells. Luckily, they found nothing too surprising in the water. “We found certain nitrates in the water, but not high enough levels to be concerned about,” said Cheryl.
Above all, the KCOW Home Show is about bringing the community together. Many Alliance residents at the Show said they never miss a single year. Scott Mills, a long time Alliance resident who stays actively involved in the community, said, “I enjoy getting out and visiting with the people at the fair… I don’t believe I’ve missed one in ten years” Cheryl Aby said, “I have gone several years in a row now.” She went on to say she hasn’t missed a show in four years.
The Home Show also featured performances in the Performing Arts Center by the AHS Choir, Harmonics, and Velocity groups, Cresler Fry, who sang and played the guitar, St. John’s Brass, and the 7th Street Dance Studio. “I saw both the choirs preform and Saint John Brass. I thoroughly enjoyed both of them,” said Cheryl.