AREA WOMEN'S SHOW OFFERS HEALTH, FOOD AND BUSINESS TIPS

Not only women were in attendance at the Heartland Women's Show held during the weekend at the Show Me Center.

More than 7,000 men, women and children attended the two-day event sponsored by KFVS-12 TV and JCPenney Co. KFVS local sales manager Tim Roth said the event, which is in its sixth year, has grown every year.

"Yesterday was the best Saturday we've ever had," he said. "More than 5,000 people came through. The Women's Show offers a plethora of different things: Well-being, knowledge, various seminars. It's really just an opportunity for women around the Heartland to attend seminars and gain knowledge on various subjects that affect them."

Roth said food, shopping and medical pavilions were set up to house some 85 vendors. Participants could pick up health, food and fashion tips as well as lots of free merchandise, he said. Special stands also were set up to showcase medical, fashion and cooking seminars.

Several men attending the event said it was informative and entertaining for anyone, regardless of gender. "I came because I live with a woman," said Kevin Nikolai of Cape Girardeau. "It was interesting."

Tom Coffman of Anna, Ill., said his wife, Ellen, made him come, but he learned a lot anyway. They said they most enjoyed the information available from the hospitals and booths that centered around home improvement.

Many participants waited in long lines to receive autographed memorabilia from KFVS employees and syndicated television personalities. One of the biggest attractions of the weekend was Art Ginsburg, also known as Mr. Food.

Ginsburg led a cooking seminar Saturday and autographed cookbooks for several hours on Sunday. He also promoted his newest venture -- a quarterly magazine called "Mr. Food's Easy Cooking."

"This is the thing that's really got people excited," he said. "Most of your area stores sell it; the only problem has been a lot of stores are selling out so fast. People seem to really like it, which really makes me proud."

Ginsburg, who good-naturedly gave autographs, hugs and kisses on his way to the airport, said he enjoyed attending the Women's Show and similar events because they allow him to meet new people.

"I'm probably the luckiest guy in the world," he said. "The people are what makes you, and when you love people you love to reach out and see and talk to them. I hope I get to go on for a long, long time."