Time for the Home Show March 31 - April 3 at RICC

The largest Home Show in southern New England returns to the R.I. Convention Center March 31st through April 3rd with some exciting new features. It's R.I.'s longest running show, with over 300 exhibitors, a Fine Arts Showcase, how-to-seminars, children's entertainment, cooking demonstrations and endless opportunities to win valuable prizes. In addition to useful information on home building and remodeling trends, this year's show promises attendees considerable value for the price of admission. For $10 they can learn from the pros, check out what's new, sample wine, beer and other libations, taste award-winning dishes, admire and purchase fine art, learn how to save money, enjoy children's entertainment, and take advantage of over $100,000 in discounts, savings and give-a-ways. The Fine Arts Showcase will feature over 80 booths with local artisans showcasing their talents. Attendees can purchase paintings, sculptures, pottery and more. A portion of the proceeds will go to the RIBA's Builders Helping Heroes charity. This year's seminar lineup includes the popular How to Hire a Contractor, New Kitchen and Bathroom Trends and "The Coupon Queen" Kathy Spencer. Kathy, who has been featured on Good Morning America, Inside Edition and the Food Network will offer her How to Shop for Free seminars on Saturday and Sunday. The popular Rejuvenation Night returns to the Home Show Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 6-9 p.m. Attendees can relax and sample fine wines from the vineyards of the Jonathan Edwards Winery, R.I.'s own Newport Storm Beer, delectable chocolate treats and more. The award-winning chefs from Newport Restaurant Week return to the Home Show Demonstration Kitchen. Cooking demonstrations and recipe selections from the kitchens of Newport and Bristol County restaurants will take place Thursday and Friday evening from 6-8 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. At the end of the show, the demonstration kitchen will be given away in a drawing to one lucky attendee. Also featured during the Home Show will be a Designer Dog House Competition, with entries built by area career and technical high school students. Visitors will be able to vote on their favorite dog house and prizes will be awarded in several categories. Children 14 and under are free all four days of the show! There will be plenty of events for kids, including performances by Kaleidoscope Theatre, balloon animal artist Lon Cerel, and a children's craft area located in the Fine Arts Showcase. Mark your calendar for RIBA Member Night on March 31st, the home show's opening day. Members: watch your mail for your complimentary passes. Visit www.ribahomeshow.com for ticket pricing and discounts, give-a-ways, contests, parking discounts and a schedule of events. Still time to reserve a booth Booth rates remain the same as last year. Whether you're in building, remodeling, redecorating, financing, landscaping, energy efficiency or any other field that provides what current and prospective homeowners need, reserve your exhibit space now! Visit www.ribahomeshow.com, or contact Yoffe Exposition Services at (800) 963-3395. Paul Eno is the owner and editor-in-chief of New River Press, Woonsocket and is the editor of the monthly RIBA newsletter, The Rhode Island Builder Report.