The Butler County Home Show will be held as usual, but organizers will have coronavirus pandemic safety protocols in place to keep the event as safe as possible.

Bernie Caplan of County Home Shows said the 9th annual Butler County Home Show will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Oct. 2; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 3; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Family Sports Center on Route 68 in Butler Township.

Caplan said a security guard with a clicker will allow 300 people into the venue at a time, which is about 50% capacity.

“If we reach capacity at any point, we will stop people and when people come out, we'll let more people in,” he said.

He said unlike a movie or baseball game in which everyone arrives and leaves at the same time, the Home Show sees people coming and going all day. That could prevent a line from forming, he said.

“We are not anticipating an issue, but we're going to be sure we don't go past the capacity number,” Caplan said.

Another security guard will ensure all those attending are wearing masks, and masks will be provided to those without one.

The free admission to the home show will also eliminate people crowding around a cashier or money changing hands at the entrance, Caplan said.

Inside, drapes will be hung between the exhibits, which have been spaced farther apart. All exhibitors also are required to wear a mask.

Hand sanitizer will also be available throughout the venue, Caplan said.

To follow social distancing, food will not be available inside as in years past.

Instead, a Fairground Market food truck parked outside will offer a variety of snacks and meals to visitors.

“People on their way out can take their dinner home with them if they like, or they can sit outside at a picnic table and enjoy a snack or two,” Caplan said. “The picnic tables will be 6 feet apart.”

Those who attend will be asked to remain 6 feet from others who are also looking for fresh ideas for their homes.

Celebrities who demonstrate their expertise in home-related fields will not appear at this year's home show to keep crowds from gathering in the bleachers, Caplan said.

Roofers, remodelers, waterproofing, insurance and banking, carpeting and many other exhibitors will offer demonstrations or talk to visitors about their products and services, Caplan said.

He said many companies are anxious to set up at the Home Show, especially small businesses that have been financially affected by the pandemic.

“A lot of vendors are counting on us,” Caplan said.

Barring a huge spike in COVID-19 cases or a change in the ruling that indoor events can move forward, Caplan is excited to offer homeowners who are tired of being cooped up a large and exciting event to attend.

“What I love about the Butler show is that it's almost become a community event,” he said. “It seems entrenched in the community as an event that people like.”