Ideas, inspiration abounded at Home and Garden Show

Becky Williamson sometimes navigated the Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show over the weekend by avoiding the expo floor.

Lined by hundreds of vendors, the aisles seemed designed for big crowds wanting to browse – not for the show's producer needing to get somewhere quick.

The four-day event typically draws 40,000 to 45,000 people to Memorial Coliseum, and this year Williamson expects the final tally for its 47th year will be on the higher end, she said in the show's final hours Sunday.

She credited the bigger crowds to various factors, including a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Fort Wayne and an entertainment lineup featuring such fan favorites as "grillologists" Mad Dog and Merrill and antique appraiser Lori Verderame.

With more than 650 vendors to explore, Williamson said, thorough attendees could spend hours at the show her grandfather started.

Williamson likes carrying on the family tradition, she said before describing the enjoyment she gets seeing her plans on paper materialize as setup begins and a line out the lobby on opening day.

"It gives me goosebumps," Williamson said, noting she is already planning next year's show.

Attendees on Sunday could test mattresses, rock on porch swings and chairs, watch household product demonstrations and browse flooring, countertop and roof samples. They could also shop for seeds or yard decorations or view chainsaw artist Paul Moon transform a log into what appeared to be a howling wolf.

Rosanna and Austin Stone of Hicksville, Ohio, attended for the second year, seeking landscaping inspiration for the home they bought almost two years ago. Their 4-month-old daughter, Ruby, joined them.

Paused at a succulent display, Rosanna Stone said that type of plant would work well in their closed-in porch. Her husband has the green thumb that would work best for the outdoor work, she said.

Regular attendee Brittany Edwards of Fort Wayne, who also seeks ideas at the show, said there is a perk of visiting on the last day – clearance items.

Edwards found a blue hyacinth to take home. She already knows where she'll plant it: "It's going right in the front yard."

asloboda@jg.net