Home sweet home show

A home is built in several stages. From laying the framework to decorating the interior, the 27th Annual Southeast Missouri Home and Garden Show had specialists to help.

From March 23 to 25, over 200 booths filled the Show Me Center. The event, sponsored by the Southeast Missouri Home Builders Association, welcomed 30 first time vendors, making the total number 120, according to coordinator Sarah Geringer.

New this year was the Woman's Showcase. The top level of the building held representatives from businesses ranging from travel agencies to scrap booking services. There was also a cooking demonstration by Emily Lavalle and Amber Kuehn, independent consultants for Pampered Chef. Their menu had a tropical theme, with dishes like island breeze rum cake and aloha pizza.

Also new this year was what Geringer called the "Garden Foyers". The Garden's Edge, Plants Plus, and Trees 'N' Trends all provided bright, spring displays for the entrances and exits.

Inside, the Home Show exhibited a sophisticated stone age-like atmosphere. Outdoor fireplaces and pave stones for walk ways made up only a small, if attractive, percentage of the stone works available.

Though many booths offered candy, they were no match for the fuzzy, friendly faces of the pet organizations. Unlike the more subdued dogs advertising the obedience classes, the retired greyhounds eagerly accepted attention. Even the Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary was nearby passing out information about pet care.

Geringer reported that about half the people who attend the show hope to build or renovate a home in the next few years. Given that between 7,000 and 8,000 people visit over the three-day run, this provides plenty of marketing opportunities for local business. Fortunately the show is also gaining such a variety of organizations that turning the corner is something to anticipate, even for those with lesser ambitions.

---

Sarah Geringer reported that about half the people who attend the show hope to build or renovate a home in the next few years. Given that between 7,000 and 8,000 people visit over the three-day run, this provides plenty of marketing opportunities for local business.