If it’s time for a remodel, head over to the Marcus Pavilion at Saint Martin’s University this weekend. The Olympia Master Builders Society is presenting The 2011 Big Home and Garden Show featuring exhibitors, speakers and plant sales.
More than 120 exhibitors will offer their services and products, including garage doors, roofers, window coverings, cabinets, countertops, security systems and landscapers.
“It’s a great place for homeowners to meet local contractors,” said Stacey Genzlinger, director of member services for OMB.
Linda Mosier-Vaudt, the event chairwoman, said that the economic downturn has been tough on contractors, but that they are adapting. “The contractors feel like they are getting a little more business. That means smaller jobs and remodels. I am seeing (homeowners) interested in specialty products: cabinets, doors – more inside projects.”
Both days also will feature speakers including local gardening gurus Marianne Binetti, Ed Hume, and Ciscoe Morris (see schedule below).
Gordon’s Garden Center and Lael’s Moon Garden Nursery will selling plants just in time for the fall planting season. The Thurston County chapter of Rebuilding Together, a nonprofit organization that works to improve senior and low-income homes, will raffle off a playhouse built by Adair Homes of Tumwater.
And Olympia’s Hands On Children’s Museum will offer activities for kids all weekend. “Things to recharge the kids’ batteries so mom and dad can keep walking around the show,” Genzlinger said.
SPEAKER SCHEDULE
All events occur on the Sunrise Landscaping & Tree Removal Main Stage in the Norman Worthington Conference Center.
Saturday
10 a.m. Tim Dickey, “How to select a contractor”
11 a.m. Kellie Peterson, “Green thumbers’ tips: How to take advantage of the fall planting window and garden center super sales”
Noon Ed Hume, “Mix and match: Compatible plants”
1 p.m. Steve Brooks, “Home safety, family safety plans and disaster preparedness”
2 p.m. Ciscoe Morris, “Putting the fall garden to bed for winter”
3:30 p.m. Kirk Haffner, “Solar in the Northwest”
Sunday
10:30 a.m. Josh Reynolds, “Your site, on time, built right”
11 a.m. Marianne Binetti, “Fall into a second spring: What to plant now and what to do now”
Noon Tim Dickey, “Remodeling for accessibility”
1 p.m. Kellie Peterson, “Heavenly hydrangeas and other new and fabulous plants”
2 p.m. Carol Thompson, “Real estate investment strategies”
2:30 p.m. Erin Keith, “Make every drop count: Water saving tips for your home”
Craig Sailor: 253-597-8541 craig.sailor@thenewstribune.com
