WATERLOO | Barb Miller has placed a special order for sunny skies and warmer temperatures for the Eastern Iowa Home Landscaping Show, opening Friday at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center.
“The weather can definitely affect attendance, and we’d like a nice weekend, but the show will go on no matter what it’s doing outside. Iowans are hardy, and it will be warm inside the convention center,” said Miller of Iowa Show Productions.
Typically 8,000 to 10,000 visitors attend the event.
Iowans with cabin fever will find ideas and products for projects varying from paint, wallpaper, redecorating, refurnishing and remodeling to building, landscape and gardening.
Nearly 200 home improvement and landscape exhibitors will be present, including home contractors and remodeling experts. Other exhibits will include kitchens, home entertainment systems, lighting, plumbing, water systems, windows, doors, siding, hot tubs, fireplaces, sunrooms and more.
“The show has a long tradition and continues to be popular with people who have a specific project in mind and want to talk to several contractors in one place, or people who are dreaming about a future project who want ideas,” Miller explained.
The 63rd annual show is sponsored by Waterloo Exchange Club and Iowa Show Productions. Hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $6 for adults and free for children younger than 12. Friday matinee admission is $4 from 3 to 5 p.m.
Paul Ryan, DIY Network’s television host known as the Kitchen Magician, will present several seminars. “Ryan gives the show a little excitement and a fresh look. Lots of people watch DIY Network and see those shows, so it’s fun to say you’ve seen him in person and perhaps ask him a question or two,” said Miller.
He will present “Kitchen Remodeling: Planning for the Best Outcome” at 5 p.m. Friday and noon and 6 p.m. Saturday and “Remodeling 101: So That’s How It’s Done” at 7 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Saturday.
Other seminars will take place throughout the weekend on topics from fairy gardening, ideas for spring planting and retaining walls to geothermal systems and building with insulated concrete forms.
Area members of the American Society of Interior Designers will exhibit showcase rooms. Featured will be Jim Aronson Interior Design’s urban loft space with trendy pops of color and a mix of rustic and popular elements; Flack Interior Design Associates, a division of Simpson Furniture, creating a layered, textural multipurpose room; and Katie Bell’s bathroom with vintage flair.
Landscape and garden designers will construct landscaped garden displays using pavers, retaining blocks, trees, shrubs and a variety of other products. Decking, lawn equipment and lawn care products will also be featured.
In addition to a concession stand for snacks and sandwiches, exhibitors demonstrating grills will be offering food samples. The Iowa Pork Producers and Fahr Beverage also will be at the show.
Discount coupons are available at local Kwik Star stores. More show information is available at www.iowashows.com.
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