Central Florida Home & Garden Show runs this weekend

Show highlights include appearances by Jason Cameron of DIY Network’s Man Caves and Desperate Landscapes; tips and advice from local and national home improvement experts appearing on the IKEA Home Stage throughout the weekend; demonstrations by some of the area’s favorite chefs on the Edible Orlando Cooking Stage; Hero Day on Friday only, offering free admission to retired or current members of the military and first responders; designer rooms with instant ideas to refresh and restyle; and a "fun-raiser" for Children’s Home Society of Florida; and more than 250 DIY, landscaping and home improvement experts offering a range of new products and services, including more than 100 exhibitors new to the market or making their Central Florida Home & Garden Show debut.

Marketplace Events, North America’s largest producer of home shows, including the Central Florida Home & Garden Show and fall Orlando Home Show, announced earlier this year that attendance at the first four home shows in the company’s annual portfolio realized an average attendance increase of 17 percent over the prior year, and that exhibit space and online advance ticket sales were also trending upward. "Our results so far this year, coupled with low interest rates and improving home sales, lead us to believe that more and more people are taking on home improvement projects that they have previously postponed," said Tom Baugh, CEO of Marketplace Events. "Now more than ever, home shows are relevant to bring people with projects together with local businesses offering competitive pricing and promotions that even savvy shoppers might not find elsewhere."

"Our shows offer something for everyone," added Cristian Moore, show manager for Marketplace Events. "Whether they have a specific project in mind or simply want to enjoy a fun day out, local residents and visitors can refresh their space, reinvent their décor and restyle their lives at our show."

Jason Cameron of DIY Network’s Man Caves and Desperate Landscapes shares his passion for architecture and the wood shop, along with tips, advice and behind-the-scenes stories during his appearances on the IKEA Home Stage on Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 12 noon and 5 p.m., and Sunday at 4 p.m. (subject to change without notice).

Guests can enjoy mouth-watering demonstrations and tasty samples prepared by some of the area’s favorite chefs and culinary pros on the Edible Orlando Cooking Stage. Scheduled to demonstrate their signature recipes and dispense advice throughout the weekend are James and Julie Petrakis of the The Ravenous Pig; Kevin Spencer of Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops at Hilton Orlando; Greg Picard, executive chef for Orlando World Center Marriott; Dun Chau of Sushi House Orlando; Danny Otera of Teak Neighborhood Grill, and chefs and experts from Whole Foods Market, New York Dinger and World of Beer. Gloria B, the bi-lingual host of KQ103 FM’s afternoon drive show, spices up the stage on Saturday at 3:30 p.m., Latino style!

Get answers to important DIY and home improvement, landscaping and home décor questions from more than 250 experts around the show floor and on the main stage throughout the weekend. Local favorites Harry P. Leu Gardens Director Robert Bowden and popular green thumb and Orlando Sentinel columnist Tom MacCubbin are among the presenters (visit www.CentralFloridaHomeAndGardenShow.com for a complete listing of presentations and times).

Other experts can help show-goers make their gardens a beautiful retreat. Belgard Hardscapes, Hoffner Landscape, Jan Clay Flowers, Lanai Hardscape Company, Pebble Junction, Pondtastic Water Gardens and Smithwell will be on site with ideas, tips and cash-and-carry items.

Speaking of items for cash-and-carry, guests can "raise the woof!" and show their furry housemates some love at the Pet Pavilion sponsored by Urban Pet Magazine and Stanley Steemer. Exhibitors range from emergency vet, boarding, training and pet rescue services to purveyors of fashion, treats and grooming for cats, dogs and other critters.

Other not-to-be-missed features and opportunities at the show include Hero Day on Friday only, offering free admission to retired or current members of the military and first responders with proper ID or in uniform; Friday Family Day, offering free admission to children ages 12 and under and family-fun activities on the show floor; Children’s Home Society of Florida’s Champions for Children™ Corner, where guests can spin the prize wheel, putt for prizes and bid on celebrity painted bird houses to support Florida’s most vulnerable kids; fantastic ice and fruit carving displays throughout the weekend by Laz of Wizard Connection; and designer rooms with instant ideas to refresh and restyle. Plus enter-to-win contests, prize drawings, and much more.

Show hours are Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m, and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Tickets are available at the door, and are $10 for adults 13+, $5 for seniors (60+, at the box office only), $5 for children ages 6-12, and free for children ages five and under.

Advance tickets can be purchased online for a $3 discount off full-price $10 admission at , courtesy of TD Bank.

For more information, click this link, or call 877-871-SHOW (7469). Connect on Facebook, Twitter (@FloridaHomeShow), Pinterest (pinterest.com/homeshows/) for up-to-the-minute show details, discounts and fabulous home improvement tips. Visit the show’s blog here.

The Central Florida Home & Garden Show and its fall sister show, the Orlando Home Show (October 4-6, 2013) are both produced by Marketplace Events.