New at this year's show will be the creation of a one-of-a-kind sand sculpture. Guests will be in awe when they watch an artisan from The Sand Sculpture Company -- a 7-time Guinness World Record holder -- create a unique work of art on the show floor. Construction begins on Friday and continues throughout the weekend, so guests should get there early for the best view! Returning crowd pleasers at the show include celebrity appearances and the edible Orlando Cooking Stage with many of the area's top chefs dishing up delicious samples and tips.
According to research conducted by Marketplace Events, the nation's largest producer of home shows, including the Orlando Home Show and the Central Florida Home & Garden Show, consumers continue to invest in their homes for their current enjoyment, as well as make smart improvements to help sell in the future. "Local residents can find inspiration throughout our show floor and meet with hundreds of experts to get the most bang for their home improvement buck," said Cristian Moore, Orlando show manager for Marketplace Events. "Our show has something for everyone and offers a fun day out."
And a sweet one, too. BRAVO's Top Chef Just Desserts winner Yigit Pura will bring his tantalizing talents to the edible Orlando Cooking Stage on Saturday at 12 noon and 3:00 p.m. and Sunday at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.
Attendees can learn from other culinary experts and dig into delicious samples throughout the weekend at the edible Orlando Cooking Stage. Chefs from The Crooked Spoon, Big Wheel Provisions, The Rusty Old Hickory Steakhouse at Gaylord Palms Resort, edible Orlando and Whole Foods Market will appear, plus healthy cooking expert Charles Mattocks, known as "The Poor Chef," and Real Radio 104.1's self-proclaimed grill master, Dirty Jim, will also appear.
Guests can "spice up" their Saturday early evening at 6:00 p.m. with a one-hour live performance, followed by an autograph signing session, by Sony Music Latin recording artist Fabiản. Presented by Jose 98.1, DJ Victor Pacheco "El Pache" will host this exclusive event, free with paid admission.
If you're a steadfast DIY-er, you're in luck: Dr. Fix-It, a guest columnist appearing every Sunday in the Orlando Sentinel, will present on the Home Improvement Stage on Friday and Saturday at 5:00 p.m. and Sunday at 11:00 a.m. with tips on tackling your most important projects while saving a bundle in the process.
And speaking of saving money, Josh Elledge of SavingsAngel.com® appears on the Home Improvement Stage at 12 noon on Friday and Sunday at 1:00 pm on Saturday with advice on "extreme couponing" without the time, hassle and waste usually associated with coupon-savvy shopping. From energy savings tips to fall entertaining ideas, guests can pick up helpful advice from a variety of other experts presenting throughout the weekend on the Home Improvement Stage.
Other experts can help you save in the garden, too. Fall offers some of the best gardening weather of the year in Central Florida and now is a great time to prune and plan before winter's chill arrives. Show attendees can meet some of the area's leading experts in gardening, landscaping, water features and supplies, including A & R Landscaping and Lighting, Knox Nursery, Pondtastic Water Gardens and Smithwell. Landscape Supply will also make an encore appearance at the show with a huge retail display of garden supplies, from mulch to trimmers.
Need home improvement advice but worried about missing the big game? Catch all of the college football action on Saturday and NFL games on Sunday at the Home Show End Zone, provided by the Home Theatre Geeks, Coast to Coast Communications and custom-themed tables by OFAB - perfect for putting your feet up after walking the show.
Guests can also shop, compare and save at hundreds of exhibits with the industry's latest products and services for home and garden, plus enter into contest and prize drawings.
Show hours are Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m, and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the door, and are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors (60+; this discount is ONLY valid at the door and no other discounts apply), $5 for students 13-18 (ID required), and free for children 12 years and younger. Advance tickets can be purchased online for a $3 discount off full-price $10 admission at www.OrlandoHomeShow.com. Convenient on-site parking is available adjacent to the Orange County Convention Center off Universal Boulevard, and is $8 per car. Consumers can get a free parking pass (while supplies last) through the show's partnership with Hometalk.com. (Visitwww.OrlandoHomeShow.com to obtain a pass).
For more information, visit www.OrlandoHomeShow.com, or call 877-871-SHOW (7469). TheOrlando Home Show and its spring sister show, the Central Florida Home & Garden Show (May 25-28, 2012) are both produced by Marketplace Events.
