Thursday, September 02, 2010

Search recent news:

2/18/2010 - West Side Leader
     

By Kathleen Folkerth

The Home Builders Association Serving Portage & Summit Counties’ 16th annual Akron Home & Flower Show is set for Feb. 26-28 at the John S. Knight Center.

DOWNTOWN AKRON — The home and garden show scene shifts to Akron for the 16th annual Akron Home & Flower Show.

Ahmed Hassan, host of “Yard Crashers” on the DIY Network, will talk on “For the Love of Landscaping” Feb. 27 at 1 and 4 p.m. and Feb. 28 at noon and 3 p.m. at the 16th annual Akron Home & Flower Show.

Photos courtesy of the Home Builders Association Serving Portage & Summit Counties

The event, put together by the Home Builders Association (HBA) Serving Portage & Summit Counties, will take place Feb. 26-28 at the John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill St.

Akron’s show comes after a series of home shows in the Cleveland area, but it remains a unique and strong show, according to Coventry resident Jeff Naragon, show chairman and HBA board member.

“Akron’s is the longest running show with the same name and in the same place,” Naragon said. “One advantage we have is the John S. Knight Center. It’s such a nice venue, such a classy place.”

The space is large but still creates an intimate atmosphere for the show, which features information and exhibits on home building and remodeling and gardening topics, he said.

Naragon said one of the areas organizers are most excited about is the EcoVillage Experience, where attendees will learn about trends in new construction that is extremely energy efficient. Also included is information on recycling, local food and community and rain gardens.

Naragon added another new aspect is Family Day, which is Feb. 26. Radio Disney will be onsite, and children can participate in crafts and meet local mascots and Akron Zoo animals. Also scheduled to perform is children’s musical act Zobapago at 6 p.m.

Giveaways and freebies also are part of this year’s show. Naragon said the most notable is the Ultimate Backyard Makeover, which will give one homeowner a backyard makeover package of services and products valued at $25,000.

Two celebrity speakers will appear throughout the show. Ahmed Hassan, a landscaper known for “Yard Crashers” on the DIY Network, and Steven Katkowsky, a remodeling expert, will share their expertise with audiences.

Hassan will talk on “For the Love of Landscaping” Feb. 27 at 1 and 4 p.m. and Feb. 28 at noon and 3 p.m. Each presentation is followed by a one-hour meet-and-greet session, when Hassan will be available for photos and autographs.

Katkowsky will host two seminars. “Going in Style” will show how a standard-sized bathroom can see an increase in usable wall space without moving any walls. He’ll speak on that topic Feb. 26 and 27 at 2 p.m. and Feb. 28 at 1 p.m.

In “The Reincarnitchen of Your Small 9 x 10 Kitchen,” Katkowsky will show how homeowners can create the illusion of size in a small kitchen. That presentation will take place Feb. 26 and 28 at 4 p.m. and Feb. 27 at 5 p.m.

Naragon said HBA officials crafted the show this year to cater to those looking to remodel or build new homes. While the home-building market has been hit by the economy, Naragon said he sees signs of improvement.

“I think people are about to start building again,” he said.

Show hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 26 and 27 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 28. Admission is $8, but children 12 and younger will be admitted for free. On Family Day, children 17 and younger will be admitted for free.

Discount coupons are available at Petitti Garden Center and at www.akronhomeandflowershow.com. Parking is free in downtown lots and garages after 6 p.m. Friday.

For more details, visit the Web site or call (330) 869-6800.

     

• Home-sale exclusion does have time fuse