June in January scatters to offer ideas for summer fun
Two-weekend event offers ideas for outside entertaining, gardening, cooking
Emily Morgan
ORRVILLE — Many homeowners rushed to purchase items for outdoor entertainment last year when the pandemic forced everyone to stay home and social distance. More ideas for improving backyard spaces will be on display at the annual June in January event, starting this weekend.
To keep visitors safe and reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread, organizers took a different approach to this year's setup. Instead of one location over two weekends, exhibits will be on display at multiple locations from Jan. 15-30 and virtual demonstrations will be streamed via Facebook Live.
"We felt it was more responsible going to a scattered-site approach," said Jack Runion, who owns Runion's Furniture, one of the four locations for the event. "People are itching to get out in the middle of winter and they've got a reason to visit three or four places without congregating."
Runion sees the multiple locations as an unforeseen positive, comparing it to the Parade of Homes.
"Sometimes, a little road trip is part of the fun. We hope the weather doesn't get in the way, but we've got three weekends."
In addition to Runion's, displays for outdoor living will be presented at Lehman's in Kidron, Family Pools & Spas in Wooster and Buchwalter Greenhouse, where June in January is traditionally held. Each store will have a dedicated space for June in January.
"Like everybody else, we're trying to be responsible and enjoy ourselves," said Glenda Lehman Ervin, vice president of marketing for Lehman's. "We're highlighting outdoor entertainment and bringing some summer fun."
June in January's other partners that usually set up booths at Buchwalter's will leave contact information and literature about their products and services at the various locations. These include Keener Landscaping, Lucci's Custom Work, Frank Brothers Supply, Village Catering, Patios for Patriots, and V.I.P. Travel.
Many of the businesses will offer preseason specials and discounts. In years past, contractors have encouraged customers to book services early to guarantee the work gets done in time to enjoy it that summer.
Virtual workshops and demonstrations will be held Saturday, Jan. 23 and 30. Buchwalter Greenhouse will present five of the six workshops in-store and via Facebook Live. Topics include the top houseplants of 2021, how to grow vegetables on a porch or patio, miniature gardens, how to plant a succulent bottle and planning a butterfly garden.
Buchwalter will sell kits for the miniature gardens and the succulent bottle online at www.buchwaltergreenhouse.com.
Amanda Bert will teach attendees at Lehman's how to cook over a campfire on Jan. 30 at 1 p.m. Bert will cook over a fire pit outside of the store, and her presentation will be streamed over Facebook Live. She will demonstrate how to make Tornado Hot Dogs, put a new twist on s'mores and share tips and tricks for viewers' campfires this summer.
"Cooking outside either turns out well or not so well," said Ervin.
Exhibits will remain on display over the two weeks. Attendees ages 18 and older can enter a drawing to win one of three gift cards worth up to $100 to use with any of the June in January partners. They can also complete a virtual entry online. Winners will be drawn on Feb. 1.
For more information and to see the complete virtual workshop schedule, visit the June in January website at juneinjanuary.com.
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