If you're planning on building or remodeling a home, or just want to see what's new in building or decor, drop by the 2013 Regional Home & Garden Show this weekend.
The three-day show is presented annually at TRAC in Pasco by the Home Builders Association of Tri-Cities.
"Anyone with a project in mind for this year, no matter how big or small, will find the answers, contractors and supplies they need at the show. Even if you're not sure what projects you'll be starting, the show is a great place to gather ideas and contacts," said Jeff Losey, the home builders association's executive director.
The show will feature more than 200 vendors from the Tri-Cities, Spokane, Yakima and the west side. More than 13,000 people attended last year and the organizers expect that many or more this year.
"Interest rates are low right now and home prices haven't increased too much," said Renee Brooks, the home builders association's spokeswoman. "I expect we'll see a lot of people who are in starter homes who want to move up and maybe get their dream home and people who are redecorating and remodeling come through.
"Kitchen and bath upgrades are always popular projects," she said. "And of course, there's always the booths selling stuff -- spices, brooms, pans and other things you can take home with you."
The show's arena will feature landscapers, pools, hot tubs and other outdoor living accessories.
"It's always amazing to see what the landscapers and nurseries create in there from just bare dirt," Brooks said. "They bring in plants, dig ponds complete with fish, set up fire pits, stack up big rock formations, sometimes even put in swimming pools."
Home & Garden Show hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Admission is $6 for adults, and free for children under 12 years. Take a nonperishable food item for the Salvation Army's food pantry and receive $1 off admission.
"If you leave the show, be sure to get your hand stamped, because admission is good for all three days," Brooks said.
New this year is a Wine Walk on Friday. Purchase a $15 ticket, which includes admission to the Home & Garden Show, and you'll be able to sample eight Mid-Columbia wines as you tour the show. Tickets include a souvenir wine glass.
The Wine Walk runs from 4 to 8 p.m. and just 400 tickets are available. Buy tickets at the door or reserve them by calling the Home Builders Association office, 735-2745, then pick them up at the door. You must be 21 or older and carry valid ID to participate.
There will be a series of free home and garden seminars all three days. This year's topics include growing tomatoes and peppers, caring for roses, landscaping with native plants, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, solar hot water and heating, new home construction and preparing your home for sale.
The Blue Mountain Garden Club will hold a free standard flower show, "Myth, Magic and & Make Believe." Club members will be on hand to answer gardening questions.
Anyone with kids in tow will want to swing by the Kidstruction Zone. On Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., children will be able to plant seeds they can take home.
"Lowe's will have their Build and Grow projects to build and the National Association of Women in Construction will be handing out plastic hats for kids to decorate," Brooks said.
-- Loretto J. Hulse: 582-1513; lhulse@tricityherald.com
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