The Southern Ideal Home Show is returning to Charlotte Aug. 22-24 with advice on building, remodeling and decorating. Show organizers bring together experts in the industry and offer them all in one location.
More than 160 exhibiting companies will showcase their product offerings for the home, lawn and garden. The 30th annual event takes place at The Park Expo and Conference Center at 2500 E. Independence Blvd. in Charlotte.
“For the price of admission, our guests have easy access to hundreds of professionals in the home building and home improvement industries,” said Show Manager Mardee Woodward. “The show saves people a lot of time and effort. Homeowners bring house plans and photos of their dreams and projects — and get free, expert advice and opinions on the spot. And they have fun in the process.”
One of the pros on hand will be Vicki Payne, a nationally recognized lifestyle designer and host of the PBS series “For Your Home.” In addition to her television work, Payne designs and oversees the manufacturing of an extensive textile collection for the home. The published author and speaker will inspire guests to rethink their exterior design on Saturday, Aug. 23, at 11:30 a.m. on the Ideal Home Stage.
Professionals from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) will be available to answer questions, along with dozens of presentations on the stage. Topics range from granite to tile, organizing to decorating and just about anything to refurbish and refresh the home. Check the show website for stage schedules.
Other highlights include:
• Kitchen & Bath: Get Control of Your Cabinets and Pantry, Friday, Aug. 22, 11:30 a.m.
• Remodeling: What you need to know before you start, Friday, Aug. 22, 12:30 p.m.
• Interior Décor & Accessories: The Power of Paint, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2:30 p.m.
• Curb Appeal: Tree care, Sunday, Aug. 24, 1:30 p.m.)
Cooking experts are also part of the show each year. Heidi Billotto returns this year, each day of the show, to answer questions, offer her kitchen secrets and share recipes. “Our cooking demos give guests a cooking lesson, recipes and a taste of signature dishes,” said Woodward. “It’s hard to get this type of cooking demo and the caliber of professionals anywhere else.”
Show hours: Friday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Admission: $9 at door. Youth (15 and under) free with paying adult. $7 in advance online. (The 2014 advance ticket price is even less than last year’s price.) Third annual $5 admission after 5 p.m. on Friday, along with free parking sponsored by WCCB-TV.
Parking: General parking is $7. Cash only.
Sponsors: The Charlotte Observer and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)
For information: call 704-376-6594 or visit www.SouthernIdealHomeShow.com