by Amy Limbert
Staff Writer
Jacksonville Home & Patio Show returns to the Osborn Center next week. The show, which runs Sept. 29-Oct. 2, will feature hundreds of vendors selling everything from storm shutters and sunrooms to furniture and water purification systems.
Show manager Hillary Carpenter said she expects about 38,000 people will attend the show, which is in its 14th year.
Carpenter said the fall show focuses on the interior of the home while the annual spring show focuses on the exterior.
This year the fall show’s theme is “What’s Cooking in Home Improvement” and one of the main themes will be organization, Carpenter said.
“It’s all about getting organized and enjoying the space you’re in, rather than moving,” said Carpenter.
Here are a few show highlights:
• Experts including Peter Walsh and Angelo Surmelis of TLC’s hit show “Clean Sweep” will be on hand to offer practical tips. Surmelis is a return guest — he was at last year’s show as well. Anne-Marie Hodges and Pam Brandon, known as the PTA Divas, also will be at the show to offer recipes and entertain guests. Hodges and Brandon are the authors of the book “Culinary Confessions of the PTA Divas.”
• Interior designers from several furniture stores will transform the Grand Lobby of the Osborn Center into a Designer Room Showcase. Besides perusing the merchandise and picking up helpful hints, visitors also may register to win prizes at various booths.
• Children may not be interested in siding or throw pillows, but even the youngest visitors will find something interesting at the Koo Koo Kid’s Carnival, which will feature the Clown Crew by Zazzoo, magic shows, face painting and more on the upper level above the main concourse.
If you plan on attending the fall Jacksonville Home & Patio show, here are a few tips:
• Show hours are Thursday, noon-9 p.m.; Friday, noon-9:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children six-12 years old and free for children younger than six years old.
• Thursday is Senior Day with $5 admission to all seniors 62 years old and older.
• Find a $1 off admission coupon at www.jacksonvillehomeshows.com.
• Save time and purchase tickets online at www.jacksonvillehomeshows.com.
• Bring nonperishable or canned food to donate to the Clara White Mission and receive $2 off adult admission.
• Park ’N Skyway. A new option this year, attendees who park at the Kings Avenue Garage on Saturday and ride the Skyway will receive a coupon for $3 off adult admission. Parking at this garage on Sunday is free. The Skyway costs 35 cents to ride.
• The Osborn Center has parking spaces for nearly 1,000 cars behind the building and will be charging a parking fee.
• Levy’s will be selling food and beverages during the show, including alcoholic beverages.