CATEC to host community day

On Saturday, May 10, the Charlottesville Albemarle Technical Education Center will host the first annual DIY Build Off Event.

The program, which is free and runs from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., will feature a variety of interactive demonstrations in a do-it-yourself atmosphere.

“Part fair, part expo, part trade show, we’re hoping to engage the community around career education and trades,” said CATEC Director Adam Hastings.

Activities will include basic home repairs, health screenings and automobile checks, amongst other CATEC specialty areas.

Participants can enter a raffle to win a car restored by CATEC auto body students, as well as participate in a silent auction to win a house built by CATEC building trades students. 

At 2:30 p.m. CATEC alumnus Cody Purvis will host a question and answer session before the Country Music singer performs a benefit concert. Tickets to the concert are $10 for adults, but free for children under 12.

Haircuts and some cosmetology services, such as manicures and hair chalking, will be available for a small fee.

For more information, call CATEC at 973-4461 or visit