If you want to see what’s new in home projects, or are simply looking for some weekend family fun, you may want to check out the 40th Annual Rockford Home Show at the Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., on Feb. 21-23.
Along with hundreds of home and garden product vendors, you’ll find entertainment that includes live raptor shows, kids’ gardening projects, balloon twisting lessons, face painting, a jumpy house, cooking and product demonstrations, an “antique road show” and more – all for $6 adult admission, free to children under age 12.
Parking is free and discount admission coupons are available from area McDonald’s.
More than 200 vendors with knowledge about home and garden products and services will be available to answer questions, spark some ideas and schedule home estimates.
“The Home Show is the ideal place to shop for new products, services, ideas, concepts and expertise on interior and exterior design,” says Andrea Nichols-Costello, of Showtime Productions in Milwaukee, the show’s producer. “Also take in a touch of spring with the landscaping and water feature displays.”
Creative backyard design exhibits include an exciting “fire and water” exhibit filled with spring flowers, by Tyler’s Landscaping and the “Backyard Retreat” exhibit from Hernandez Brothers Professional Landscape will have us counting the days until spring. On Sunday afternoon, all flowers will be sold at bargain prices starting at 2 p.m.
Hoo Haven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Center will present “Raptors, Up Close and Personal” plus “Scales & Tales,” featuring live animals.
“Get excited about Mother Earth, learn what you can do to help preserve it and see snakes, hawks, turkey vultures, turtles and more,” says Nichols-Costello. Learn more about Hoo Haven at HooHaven.org.
The “antique road show” is back by popular demand. This is your chance to get items appraised by professionals from Hack’s Auction and Antiques on Sunday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Bring items such as antiques, collectibles, coins, toys. This is free with admission.
Here’s the entertainment lineup:
Friday
— Balloon-twisting lessons with Ms. Twisty Pants at 4:15 and 5 p.m.
— Raptors, Up Close and Personal with Hoo Haven at 4:30 & 6 p.m.
— Kids’ Building Projects with Home Depot from 4:45 to 6 p.m.
Saturday
— Balloon-twisting lessons with Ms. Twisty pants at 11:15 a.m. and 1 p.m., 2:45 and 4:30 p.m.
— Scales and Tales, learning about tortoises, turtles and snakes with Hoo Haven at 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
— Raptors, Up Close & Personal with Hoo Haven at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.
— Kids’ Gardening Projects with the Landscape Connection at 12:15 and 4 p.m.
— Kids’ Building Projects with Home Depot at 2 and 3:30 p.m.
Sunday
— Antique appraisals with Hack’s Auction from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
— Balloon-twisting lessons with Ms. Twisty Pants at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 and 1:45 p.m.
— Kids’ Building Projects with Home Depot from 11 a.m. to noon
— Kids’ Gardening Projects with Landscape Connection at 12:15 p.m.
— Raptors, Up Close & Personal with Hoo Haven at 12:15 and 2:45 p.m.
— Scales & Tales with Hoo Haven at 1:30 p.m.
— Blooming flowers on sale at 2 p.m.
Face painting and a bouncy house are open all weekend.
Hours are Friday, Feb. 21 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 22 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 23, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. ❚