You won’t rub shoulders with national celebrities at this year’s Red Deer Home Show. But your next home renovation or construction project could get a financial boost.
The March 11 to 13 trade show, which is organized annually by the Central Alberta branch of the Canadian Home Builders Association, won’t rely on big names to entice attendees this year.
That’s a departure from the past, when home improvement celebrities like Mike Holmes, Leslie Segrete and Andrew Dan-Jumbo were on hand to share their expertise.
Dan Ouwehand, who is chair of this year’s Home Show, said it wasn’t clear how many people were coming because of the celebrities.
“Not only that,” he added, “the experts are already there — they’re in the booths.”
The money saved will be applied toward show prizes, said Ouwehand. Specifically, attendees will be eligible for cash vouchers of $2,500, $1,500 and $1,000.
“They’re gift certificates from the Home Builders Association that you can use at any Home Builders Association member.”
And with association members ranging from builders and renovators to retailers and professional services, the winners will have a plenty of options when it comes to redeeming their prizes.
“It’s really worthwhile if somebody’s planning a home renovation project, which many are — or a new home for that matter.”
Otherwise, said Ouwehand, who works as a scheduler with Carpet One Floor & Home, the format for the 2011 Red Deer Home Show will be similar to previous years.
More than 500 exhibitors will showcase their products and services, with this number an increase from 2010.
“The interest from presenters in the show was so strong that we had to add more booths to meet the demand,” said Ouwehand.
He believes this reflects the improving local economy and a renewed interest in new homes and renovation projects.
The Red Deer Home Show will be held at Westerner Park, with its hours noon to 8 p.m. on the Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Sunday.
Cost will be $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors, with children under 12 who are accompanied by an adult admitted free.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com