Annual HomeShow Set to Kick Off Spring in St. Cloud

ST. CLOUD -- The Central Minnesota Builders Association (CMBA) is ready to celebrate the arrival of spring with the 44th annual HomeShow this weekend in St. Cloud.

Over 250 displays will fill the River's Edge Convention Center for the three-day event, featuring demonstrations, activities, discussions, and special guests.

The event kicks off tomorrow (Friday) with live music by country artist Alan Godage 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and a fish fry from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday will feature two special guests: television personality Chris Grundy, host of Cool Tool and Blog Cabin on the DIY Network, and Joel Karsten, author of Straw Bale Gardening.

Food and beer sampling will also be going on from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday.

On Sunday, Bobby Jensen, co-host of KARE 11's Grow With KARE segment, will be share his tips on organic gardening from noon to 2:00 p.m. Both Saturday and Sunday will also have a kids build-it-yourself workshop beginning at 11:00 a.m.

"If you're interested in remodeling, building, or [decorating] your house, or just getting out for a nice outing, you'd want to come to the home show," says Bonnie Moeller, CMBA Executive Director.

Moeller says she's looking forward to seeing the all the festivities and special guests, but says there's one thing in particular she enjoys seeing every year.

"I'm looking forward to the fresh flowers in the landscape area -- it's always breathtaking," Moeller says. "Just smelling them and knowing spring is right around the corner."

Tickets for the HomeShow are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and free to kids under 12.

HOMESHOW SCHEDULE:
- Friday, March 11th, noon to 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday, March 12th, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Sunday, March 13th, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.