Home Expo offers seminars, fun for homeowners
By Ed Nadolski
Editor in chief
While Mother Nature – by virtue of her record-breaking March warm spell – has gotten the jump on all of us, Burlington area residents can still find the tips and tools to catch up with her by attending the 2012 Home Expo and Chocolate Extravaganza Saturday at Burlington High School.
The event, sponsored by the Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce, runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the school, 400 McCanna Parkway.
Admission is $2 per person, but coupons for up to four free admissions are available on the Chamber website at www.burlingtonchamber.org.
“You hate to bring it up, but we wouldn’t be disappointed if the weather wasn’t quite so nice on Saturday,” Chamber Executive Director Jan Ludtke said, expressing hope that people find their way indoors for the show. “We have a lot of very practical and useful information for homeowners.”
In addition to seminars offering home energy saving and gardening tips, visitors will be able to browse vendor booths offering the latest from area retailers and service providers.
Those looking for a bit of rich, competitive fun might try the Chocolate Extravaganza Bake-Off. Entrants will compete for the title of best chocolate dessert in town. Entries must be in by 9:30 a.m. and judging begins at 10:30 a.m. The top entries will compete for prizes and a spot in the Chamber’s chocolate cookbook.
The popular cake-decorating contest also returns with prizes for the best-decorated confections. Entries must be in by 12:30 p.m. with judging beginning at 1 p.m.
Information and entry forms for both contests are available on the chamber website at www.burlingtonchamber.org.
For those who would rather watch, the Cupcake Wars return with local celebrities decorating oversized cupcakes in front of a live audience beginning at 12:30 p.m.
The schedule of free seminars, to be held in the auditorium, is:
10 a.m. – Way To Save, Burlington! seminar featuring Energy Ambassador Kevin Duffy. Duffy has teamed up with Reineman’s True Value Hardware, Lavelle Industries and the City of Burlington Water Department to offer simple, inexpensive tips to save energy and money at home.
11 a.m. – Master Gardener Mike Wagner presents a workshop on French intensive garden systems and companion plants.
1 p.m. – Chocolate City Quilters bed turning. Representatives from the local organization will reveal a series of quilts with descriptions of the handiwork and meaning behind each creation. The quilters will also offer a table runner sale with proceeds going to Love Inc. and a quilt raffle.
2 p.m. – Master Gardener Mike Wagner will discuss the care and maintenance of houseplants.
A food court offered by Gooseberries Fresh Food Market and a Kids Korner sponsored by Plymouth Children’s Center will be available throughout the day.
Sponsors for this year’s Home Expo include: Arbor Images, Associated Bank, Burlington Glass, Burlington Swimming Pool, Johnson Bank, Ide Fine Jewelry, M&I Bank/BMO Financial Group, Plymouth Children’s Center, Talmer Bank and Trust, Walmart and Wendy’s.
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