Crowds venture out as popular spring events return

After a year of COVID cancellations, some of the Triangle's most popular weekend events are back in business.

The Southern Ideal Home Show drew a crowd today.

That didn't happen last year -- because of the pandemic.

Organizers say the turnout this year has been strong.

All the COVID-era requirements are in place: Wear a mask, keep your distance – and everyone WRAL spoke with told us people are following the rules.

The event is just one more example of life getting back to normal.

To share a communal experience under one roof at a much-looked-forward-to-event that was robbed from us a year ago – is nothing short of cathartic for Laura Pinette.

"It's good to actually get back to normal, to see people and things like that and don't feel like everybody is so worried about it," she said.

She came with her husband and two sons after a pandemic year of doing outdoorsy stuff, which was better for physical distancing.

Going to an indoor home show makes her feel like the COVID crusade is in the home stretch.

"I think doing something like this is the first time I think we've done anything that's just been with a bunch of people, and I think it's awesome," said Pinette.

Just down the road, a bunch of people came out to NC State's spring football game at Carter Finley Stadium. Nearly all with masks on or at the ready.

Harold Smelcer drove from Fayetteville, craving that communal experience.

"I'm just excited that we're able to see people walking outside and not have to be so worried about what's around you," he said. "I think that's what's on everybody's mind right now. It's all lifted a little bit.

Last month, the governor allowed indoor and outdoor sports and live entertainment venues to increase capacity up to 50 percent -- with social distancing still required.

The Southern Ideal Home Show continues on Sunday.

"I'm looking forward to a great summer -- and a great fall," said Smelcer.