Folks jonesing for a taste of spring will find it among the displays of landscaping, building projects and hot tubs at the Greater La Crosse Home and Builders Show this weekend.
More than 100 vendors will display their wares at the 33rd annual show, which opens at 5 p.m. today at the La Crosse Center.
Vendors setting up Thursday predicted that the cold weather will boost the show’s crowd, looking for a winter respite and seeking ways to invest in their homes.
“Last year was our best year by far, up by 30 percent,” said Casey Staige, owner of HotSpring Spas and Pools in Onalaska, which sells hot tubs, saunas, swimming pools and pool tables.
“I think more people are putting money in their homes and spending time at home instead of traveling,” he said.
“Our store is always busy, but our customers now seem to be waiting for warmer weather to buy, waiting to put up a deck or patio,” Staige said.
“I think the weather will help the show,” he said. “It’s warm in here, and people can look at fun things for the house.”
They also can find ways to make their homes technological castles.
Justin Snyder, vice president of The Audio Video Pros of Onalaska, described the concept as a “smart home,” integrating media, security, lighting, heating and air conditioning into one system that can be controlled from an iPad, tablet, computer or smartphone.
“They can operate it from across the room or across the globe,” he said. “A snowbird who goes south for the winter can monitor his HVAC and security, or open a garage door for a UPS guy to drop off a package.”
Such a system was cost-prohibitive for most folks until recently, he said.
“Five years ago, it would have cost $100,000,” he said. “Today, I can do it for $5,000,” depending on the sophistication and number of rooms involved.
Other displays will feature custom-built homes, remodeling suggestions, interior-decorating ideas, landscaping options, heating and ventilation systems, windows, furniture and a variety of other home and building projects, said show producer Bill Jackson of West Des Moines, Iowa.
Do-it-yourselfers can check out seminars on geothermal heating and cooling, installing ceramic tile, faux painting and edible landscaping.
Jeff Holper, known as “The Mole Hunter,” will conduct several seminars entitled “Take Back Your Yard from the Moles and Other Pests.”
Also among the highlights will be robot demonstrations by teams from the Seven Rivers Robotics Coalition, including the “Robo-Raiders” from Central High School in La Crosse, the “Pirobotics” from Aquinas High School in La Crosse and the “Sir Lancer Bots” from La Crescent High School.
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