Quick — name an annual spring tradition that’s been a fixture on Winnipeg calendars for 42 years? If you guessed The Winnipeg Home & Garden Show, you are correct, although if you guessed the Home Expressions Show, you still get a point, since that’s what it used to be known as. The renamed event takes place this year from April 1 to 3 at the RBC Convention Centre.
It figures to be the biggest, best show yet, said Jenn Tait of Marketplace Events.
"It’s still the same great show people have come to know and love, but it’s going to be even better than it was before," she said. "With over 175 local businesses, features and experts, there’s something for everyone, and every type of homeowner. There will be so much to see and do."
As has been the case in years past, the heart of the show will be its main stage. Tait said the Urban Barn Main Stage — presented by the Winnipeg Free Press — will be occupied by big names throughout the weekend.
"Show-goers will be able to catch presentations by stars such as Carson Arthur, host of HGTV’s Home to Win (which premières April 24), as well as Jillian Harris and Todd Talbot, from W Network’s hit series, Love It or List It, who will be making their Winnipeg debut." said Tait. "After Carson and Jillian and Todd end their presentations, they’ll each do a Q and A session."
Arthur — the author of the best-selling book, Garden Designs for Outdoor Living — said he’s excited about the prospect of returning to Winnipeg to connect with home and garden enthusiasts at the show.
"I’ve been to Winnipeg before — I actually hung out at Portage and Main, and spent time soaking up the atmosphere in and around the area," he said. "I’m looking forward to coming back to talk about how outdoor renovations can impact the value of a home and provide home owners with a great return on their investment. People are welcome to bring their projects to me — I’m always happy to help."
Tait added the event will have much more to offer in the form of perennially popular features such as Ask a Renovator.
"Visitors can pop by the Ask a Renovator booth for free, one-on-one consultations with (RenoMark certified) renovators from the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association, and we’ve also tapped much-loved local craft market Scattered Seeds to do special pop-up editions at the show," she said. "And we’ve also added two new charitable initiatives designed to benefit the surrounding community: Barkitecthure, and Better Gnomes and Gardens."
In short, the show will be the place to be for home and garden enthusiasts looking for ideas on how to freshen up their home during the spring and summer months. With the 175 local businesses, features and experts, there’s bound to be something for everyone, Tait said. "We’ll have exhibitors who specialize in indoor renovations (kitchens, baths, floors), outdoor renovations (patios, landscapes, garages), indoor home decor, cleaning products, home entertainment and so much more. Show-goers will leave ready and inspired to tackle any and every home-improvement project."
Based on the enthusiastic response to the Winnipeg Renovation Show — which Marketplace Events ran in January — expectations are high for the Home & Garden Show.
"We were thrilled with the turnout for the Winnipeg Renovation Show and are looking forward to even bigger crowds at the Home & Garden Show," Tait said. "We’re expecting more than 15,000 visitors over the course of three days. It’s going to be a wonderful event, and will be a great way to kick off spring."
The Winnipeg Home & Garden Show will run April 1 to 3: Friday, from noon to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Tickets for adults (ages 13-plus) will be $9 online, or $12 at the door; seniors can get tickets online for $7, or $10 at the door. There is a special $5 admission on Friday before 5 p.m. Children 12 and under get in free.
For more information, visit winnipeghomeandgardenshow.com or call 1-800-633-8332.
lewys@mymts.net
