6,500 PEOPLE ATTEND WOMEN'S CONFERENCE

The promise of health, food and fashion tips enticed some 6,500 visitors to the Show Me Center for the seventh annual Heartland Women's Show over the weekend.

This year's attendance dipped slightly from last year's record of more than 7,000 people. However, organizers said the attendance was strong considering the weekend's temperate weather and the absence of major attractions such as Art Ginsburg -- also known as Mr. Food -- and Michael Holigan, host of the syndicated television show "About the House."

The two-day event, sponsored by KFVS-12 TV, is billed as a women's show. However, men and children from a five-state region also were present.

"We didn't have a lot of star power, so that's pretty good," said Paul Keener of KFVS. "This is one sales-oriented project that is one of the biggest of the year for us."

Keener said food, shopping and medical pavilions were set up to house more than 100 vendors.

The event is successful because those attending receive useful information on various subjects that affect them, and television advertisers have an opportunity to share information face-to-face with a maximum number of consumers, he said.

In addition to information and vendor booths, stands were set up to showcase special seminars. KFVS employees and syndicated television personalities also were only present to give away autographed memorabilia.

One of the event's most popular attractions was the local takeoff of the "Price is Right" game show. Participants registered for the chance to "come on down" and compete for more than $15,000 in cash and prizes. The amount included a customized kitchen, complete with flooring, cabinets and appliances worth up to $6,100 from Holigan Homes.

"'The Price is Right' is always a big attraction," said Keener. "People also enjoy the booth vendors and the cooking stage. The JCPenney's fashion shows are also big draws."