Better Homes And Gardens Show Columbus Ohio

Special guests, garden awards among highlights at the Fall Dispatch Home & Garden Show

Just before the changing of foliage colors and the smell of pumpkin-spice lattes fill the air, you might be taking a look around your home and the outdoor landscape and thinking a makeover is in order.

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If you are seeking inspiration, the Fall Dispatch Home & Garden Show will offer an illustrious list of renovation experts, master gardeners and exhibitors who can show you how it's done.

Filled with a variety of activities, prizes and helpful demonstrations, the annual event will be live Friday through Sunday in the Bricker Building at the Ohio Expo Center. But before you make plans to go, there are some important things that you should know:

How the show is staying safe

Abiding by safety protocol, Stephen Buzza, the general manager of the show, said there will be plenty of hand-sanitizer stations and the use of six-foot markers to promote social distancing. And guests are encouraged to wear masks. Because the show is on state property, masks are not mandated.

Buzza said having these protocols in place will help make for a fun and as safe as possible event, a priority for Buzza and his team.

"We know the country isn't outside of the pandemic," he said. "We all want normalcy, so we're excited to bring that a little closer and keep a close watch on being healthy at the show."

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What to see at home and garden show

For the show's opening, attendees will be able to dive into the world of Ohio native plants, explore an assortment of garden designs and witness how proper plant selection can create floral thrills from spring to fall.

On Saturday, celebrity guests Dave and Jenny Marrs from HGTV's "Fixer to Fabulous" and Laura Dowling, host of The Flower podcast and former Chief Floral Designer for The White House, will be featured at the show's presentation stages.

Events such as the Dispatch Backyard Garden Awards presentation will also take place Saturday, where $3,000 worth of gift cards from Oakland Nurseries will be awarded to the winners of the contest.

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Guests also will be able to expand their appreciation for vino during the "How to Taste and Buy Wine Tasting" on Saturday, with Gregory Stokes, an expert wine sommelier.

For Family Day on Sunday, representatives from COSI, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, The Dawes Arboretum, The Butterfly House and The Turtle Lady (Nancy Lockard) will make their way to the show. Guests can learn how to invite bees and butterflies to their gardens using Ohio native plants and kids can make arts and crafts while hearing about the plants that provide the most beauty and activity throughout the seasons.

Demonstrations and exhibits

Throughout the weekend, nearly 200 experts in remodeling, kitchen, bath, decor and outdoor living will provide inspiration for those seeking to upgrade their homes and landscapes.

Alongside other exhibits and demonstrations, Motts Military Museum, which educates the public on the importance of America's military past, will display some rare artifacts in a 9/11 Remembrance Exhibit throughout the weekend.

This exhibit, which includes a NYC Port Authority Police vehicle salvaged from Ground Zero, will commemorate the devastation and incredible heroism on the 20th anniversary of the tragic event.

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"I think it's very important people don't forget," said Lori Motts, assistant director of the museum. "Twenty years has gone by and a whole generation of people who weren't born during 9/11. That's our mission, to educate future generations on what took place."

Giveaways and prizes

Nearly $8,000 worth of prizes comprised of Lowe's gift cards, T-shirts, COSI and Ohio State University football tickets, Scotts gardening gloves and other cool gifts will be handed out during the home and garden show.

Home and garden tickets

Admission costs $5, or free for children 17 and younger. Parking costs $5.

Vouchers for free admission for two guests are available at any central Ohio Lowe's location. Admission is also free with an admission coupon from Columbus Oktoberfest.

Shuttles will run between the two events on Saturday and Sunday, offering people the opportunity to easily enjoy both events.

Free "Thank You" tickets are available for military members, first responders, health care workers and teachers. Members can register for one complimentary ticket online, then show their valid ID and the online ticket at the Guest Services booth before entering the show.

ehopkins@dispatch.com

@Earl_Hopkins1

Home & Garden Show at a glance

The Fall Dispatch Home & Garden Show will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday in the Bricker Building at the Ohio Expo Center, Interstate 71 and East 17th Avenue.

Saturday highlights include:

• Laura Dowling will make appearances at noon and 4 p.m.

• The Marrs will take the stage at 2 p.m.

• The Dispatch Backyard Garden Awards ceremony will take place at 3 p.m.

• A Sommelier's Guide to "How to Taste and Buy Wine" Wine Tasting will take place at 5 p.m.

For more information, to go http://www.DispatchHomeAndGardenShow.com.