Cape home, garden show to have outdoor theme

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been changed to correct a source error.

Those entering the 30th annual Southeast Missouri Home Builders Association Home and Garden Show in Cape Girardeau may feel like they've just stepped outside.

This year, nearly a quarter of the Show Me Center will be consumed by an outdoor-themed display built by Earthworks Inc. of Perryville, Mo. This new effort to bring the outdoors inside includes a Pavestone driveway, outdoor kitchen and decorative water fountains.

"It really shows the versatility of what you can do within a yard no matter what your interest," said Ann Brookman, chairwoman of the SEMO Home Builders Association's home show committee.

Show hours are 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Grilling and cooking demonstrations also will be part of the home show this year for the first time, Brookman said. Specialists from Traeger Grills will conduct seminars every two hours, and staff members of The Blue Owl restaurant in Kimmswick, Mo., will reveal secrets to making some of their menu favorites.

More than 6,000 people are expected to attend this year's home show to tour more than 150 booths.

Brookman said vendors were reserving booth space for the show at a slow but steady pace until about three weeks ago, when interest suddenly exploded. This is her 21st year helping out with the home show.

"We were less than 70 percent booked when all the sudden the phones started ringing and we sold out completely," she said. "Vendors say they're seeing signs of business picking up. They're seeing some blue skies in between the clouds at this point."

This year's vendors provide a variety of products and services, including windows and doors, countertops, hot tubs and pools, and heating and air-conditioning units.

"If someone is thinking of building or remodeling, you can come check prices, get your financing in order, find a contractor and buy your supplies all under one roof," Brookman said.

Admission is $5 for adults and children younger than 12 will be admitted free. A $1 off coupon is available on the SEMO Home Builders Association website, www.semohba.com.

mmiller@semissourian.com

388-3646

Pertinent address:

1333 N. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau, MO