The 23rd Fall Home & Patio Show opens today at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. Only two annual events – the Gator Bowl College football game, first played in 1946, and the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair, which debuted in 1955 – have longer runs Downtown than the Home & Patio Show, which began as a spring event 46 years ago.
More than 300 exhibitors will be showing products and services in all categories of home improvement including appliances, windows, energy management and renovation.
This year's home improvement celebrity lineup includes Josh Flagg from Bravo TV's "Million Dollar Listing," and Food Network cooking personality Emily Ellyn.
Home improvement blogger Chris Tice from Examiner.com will offer lessons on kitchen lighting, outdoor showers and how to transform trash into useful home and garden accessories. Dan Louche, builder of tiny homes, will show how to live in a house that's less than 200 square feet.
Chef Amadeus, winner of "Food Network's Next Star," and chefs from local restaurants and the Clara White Mission culinary arts program will be conducting demonstrations during the show on the Cooking Stage.
Cristian Moore, show manager, said two trends have emerged in the home improvement market this year.
"More people are discovering repurposing. They are taking objects that might be discarded and transforming them into useful items instead of sending them to a landfill, and since the economy is recovering, people are beginning to invest in improving their living space. Exhibitors at the fall shows are telling us business is coming back. People are starting to spend money again," he said.
Show hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. today and Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. For the complete schedule and ticket information, visit jacksonvillefallhomeshow.com.
(904) 356-2466