COOKEVILLE – More than 150 exhibitors. The latest trends in home building, remodeling, decorating and more. A sure sign of spring. The Upper Cumberland Home & Garden Show returns in March, and for the second straight year, will also serve as a showcase for the Upper Cumberland’s top “Stay and Play” tourist attractions.
The show, scheduled for Friday, March 7-Sunday, March 9, at Hyder-Burks Pavilion, aims to inspire homeowners with ideas, advice and innovative products, whether shopping for furniture, lawn mower, pool, windows, plants, cookware, specialty foods or a complete new home.
In terms of landscaping, Brendan Johnson Landscaping owner Brendan Johnson expects a strong 2014 and sees several outdoor living trends continuing, including landscape lighting and more.
“It seems like people want to spend more; they want the added luxuries and they’re ready to get it,” he said. “People will continue building outdoor living spaces, instead of just general clean ups and landscapes, and I definitely see more patios, outdoor kitchens and fireplaces, and a lot of water features. People are looking for a nice outdoor area to enjoy with their family.”
For The Fragrant Mushroom owner Thor McNeil, the home show is not only a chance to highlight his latest products – which include everything from potteryware, countertops, door frames, light fixtures and more – but it serves as good exposure for his Sparta shop that’s been in business since 1999.
“We are very price conscious, so it helps when we do shows that are within driving distance, it allows people to look at our prices and see, ‘this is really reasonable,’” McNeil said.
He plans on introducing his “You’ve Been Mugged” program at this year’s event, which is a series of deep impression stamped specialty mugs. He’s done several prototypes, including for Calfkiller Brewing Company, and will be debuting a 2014 Calfkiller Stein at the event.
This year’s home show will also feature a kitchen and specialty food gallery with a cooking stage, where local and regional celebrities will demonstrate recipes and tips for entertaining and healthy living.
Presenters include Aimee Fortney of Channel 4/WSMV’s “Not the Perfect Cook,” who will share “Quick and Easy Party Recipes and Tips.” TV personality Tammy Algood, author of The Southern Slow Cooker Bible, will show attendees how to “Let Local Shine in Your Kitchen,” with recipes that make use of local, seasonal produce. Vickie Harris, founder of Paws 4 Health, presents “Healthy Cooking and Healthy Living for You and Your Pets,” demonstrating how healthful food choices can help your pets to live long, healthy lives.
Many of the cooking stage presenters will also be selling and autographing their cookbooks, while the gallery will feature cabinetry, cookware, specialty foods and other items for the home.
Another returning highlight will be the Upper Cumberland Tourism “Stay and Play” travel expo. This will give attendees an opportunity to see what the region’s businesses have to offer in terms of homeowner projects while, at the same time, giving ideas for vacations, weekend or day trips within just a short drive from home. Information on the Upper Cumberland’s cultural, historic and scenic attractions as well as its outdoor recreational opportunities and wide variety of lodging and dining options will be available at Stay and Play in the Upper Cumberland.
The Home & Garden Show is sponsored by the Home Builders Association of the Upper Cumberland. Hours are 4-8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $3. For tickets or more information, call the Home Builders Association at (931) 528-7472 or visit www.uchba.com.
