Two subjects this week … and they are similar only in that both are produced by professionals and both were quite enjoyable.

Last week was the week of the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas — always a must-see for this convention addict. However this year, my visit started badly when I was directed to one room to pick up my badge, but at the last moment the location was changed … WITHOUT TELLING FOLKS LIKE ME. The new location was clear across the Las Vegas Convention Center. I was a pooped before I got started.

But start I did, and the attached video shows just a few of the show’s exhibits. I found so much that interested me, I stopped and talked with exhibitors and would most likely still be at the show if I hadn’t had a time limit. Expected attendance this year at the National Hardware Show was 20,000 people, the number of exhibitors was listed at 2500.

The three-day National Hardware Show, says the literature, is “the go-to event for professional networking, finding new products and more”. The show had the endorsement of the North American Retail Hardware Association but is owned and produced by Reed Exhibitions. Celebrating its 70th anniversary during the May 5-7 show, the event included a free anniversary party for attendees and exhibitors. The National Hardware Show moved to Las Vegas from Chicago in 2004 and occupied the central and south halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

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Changing pace, one of last Wednesday’s personal activities was a return to the San Gennaro Feast. This traditional Italian cultural celebration honoring the patron saint of Naples, Italy, has been held for some 36 years in Las Vegas. The Feast location is once again a huge piece of vacant land on Grand Canyon Drive near the junction of I-215 and West Flamingo Road. Tonight (Sunday, May 10) is the last day of the five-day event. The Sunday hours are Noon to 11 p.m.

San Gennaro Feast is an event for the whole family. In addition to multiple food booths, non-stop entertainment and shopping are available for the adults, and youngsters can enjoy some 60 amusement rides.

Entertainers invited by host/performer/entertainment director Tony Sacca included a variety of Las Vegas favorites. Among them, over the five days, were the group Shades of Sinatra and singers Denise Clemente, Mark Giovi, Genevieve, Lena Prima, Zowie Bowie and Tony Sacca. Entertainment is free for all who attend the Feast.

And food? Patrons do not go home hungry with choices among some 70 restaurant food booths. Two full aisles were full of nothing but food offerings. The Philly steak sandwich we had was delicious. We could also have had everything from turkey legs and grilled corn to pasta and foods from India. Beer, wine, lemonade, soft drinks, etc. were also available as was plenty of seating for the diners.

The San Gennaro Feast typically has great ambiance. One can easily forget the day’s news and even the Internet when walking, shopping, greeting friends, watching youngsters having a good time, making dinner selections and listening to live music. Love the Feast!