Spring is in the air at the 2018 Central Oregon Builders Association Home and Garden Show, which features more than 200 exhibits to help you renew, refresh, and improve your home. Whether you want to learn about growing your own vegetables or spruce up your windows with new blinds, this weekend event is the place to be.

Presented by Standard TV and Appliance, the show will be held at the First Interstate Bank Center at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center on Friday and Saturday, May 4 and 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday, May 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

From solar energy and heating/cooling systems to outdoor living and home decor, this event brings together an expansive lineup of local experts who are all happy to share their knowledge and advice while showcasing innovative products. Dozens of local contractors will also be available to answer questions, present examples of their craftsmanship, and offer deals on home improvement needs.

“Various industries and talented individuals in our community come together for one weekend to showcase their business, products, and inventions. We are continually impressed by our incredible vendors and the longstanding support from our local community,” said Nicole Meagher, event coordinator for Central Oregon Builders Association.

In addition to the showcases of products and services, the spring Home and Garden Show also features six to eight educational courses and DIY classes each day on home and garden improvement topics. New this year is a course on starting a career in the trades industry, presented by the Central Oregon Building Construction Trades Council and Youth Career Connect. The course will be held at 2 p.m. each day in the Middle Sister building.

“This class will be a great outline of information for anyone considering a career change into the trades, or for high school teens ready to transition into the workforce,” said Meagher.

Central Oregon Master Gardeners will be presenting a range of seminars and hands-on workshops, including how to grow vegetable gardens, gardening in small spaces, and ways to cut back on water usage. They will also talk about the importance of honeybees in the garden.

“We have such an assortment of knowledgeable instructors and leaders. Be sure to take advantage of this free community resource while you are at the show. And you won’t want to miss cooking classes at various times throughout the show,” said Meagher.

New this year is a kids’ activity center in the South Sister building hosted by The Home Depot where little builders can get hands-on practice crafting DIY projects throughout the day.

Be sure and watch out for vendor raffle drawings and prize giveaways!

The spring Home and Garden Show is an event that COBA organizes each year as a service to the local builders, helping them to market their products and services while also connecting them with potential clients. It also offers great benefits to the local communities. The event is open to the public and free to attend, thanks to the generous sponsors, ReMax, Sky Heating & Air Conditioning and The Bulletin.