Rhode Island Home Show set for 65th year

Posted 3/6/15

The Rhode Island Convention Center will be soon be transformed for the 65th Annual Rhode Island Home Show, presented by the Rhode Island Builders Association (RIBA). From March 5-8, the Show is …

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Rhode Island Home Show set for 65th year

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The Rhode Island Convention Center will be soon be transformed for the 65th Annual Rhode Island Home Show, presented by the Rhode Island Builders Association (RIBA). From March 5-8, the Show is expected to draw over 20,000 people who will experience and explore the largest and longest running exhibition of its kind in Southern New England.

“Locally organized and produced here in the Ocean State, no other show comes close to the elements and experiences at The RI Home Show!” said John Marcantonio, executive director of RIBA. “We are excited that the attendees will have the opportunity to see and learn so many new things. It’s not a traditional booth-oriented format, but an interactive event that will truly inspire you. With so much new to explore, the RI Home Show continues to grow, making it one of the best events in New England!”

What’s new?

The RI Home Show will offer a unique marketplace experience for both homeowners and area vendors all under one roof. This year, to make the show easier to navigate, the show content has been organized into four main areas, including TOUR, WALK, FIND and LEARN.

TOUR: This year the show features TWO amazing home showcases!

Showcase #1

Visitors will be able to tour a one-of-a-kind full-sized 32 x 48 seven-room home showcase. Started last September and built by students in the Carpentry Department at Providence Career Technical Academy (PCTA) with materials supplied by the RI Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association, the house with no roof will be assembled and finished on-site by the students prior to the show opening on March 5.

The show feature will become an interior design experience that will be fully furnished by Cabot House furniture in Warwick and decorated, in part, by the famous designer Karen Corinha. Attendees will have the chance to stroll through the showcase and see custom-designed, multiple room settings. Marcantonio said, “Getting the students involved in the RI Home Show was a priority for us this year. We want to spotlight the talents of these students and help build their confidence while also having them learn at the same time. We are so proud of their efforts! Of course, the showcase is also a great idea generator so if you like home decor then you will love this show feature!”

Showcase #2

In addition, a 200-square-foot Tiny House will also be on display and available to TOUR! These small homes are becoming the latest trend in efficient micro-living. Built by local manufacturer Tiny House Northeast, it will present a comfortable, livable interior design that intentionally makes use of available space. It highlights an application of materials, new and recycled, that are environmentally friendly or organic. To have the ability to see and tour one of these homes is an amazing experience for visitors to this years show and is a must-see!

WALK: Three beautiful and practical landscapes, gardens, and outdoor living areas will be demonstrated and will be fully walkable. In all, the three landscapes will take up thousands of square feet. Be prepared to be wowed!

With Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Associations (RINLA) gardens, attendees will learn about cost-effective, practical, and sustainable opportunities when exploring the important relationships among your home, energy use, and garden. The experts from RINLA will also be at the show to answer questions and to assist you with your informational needs.

Additionally, Arnold Lumber’s Backyard will once again present one of their remarkable Outdoor Living Patio Experiences while J&J Materials will showcase a fully-functional Outdoor Kitchen. More and more homeowners have shifted their focus on their yard and landscape and these exhibits will point them in the best direction as they beginning planning for Spring.

FIND: The exhibits at the 2015 RI Home Show will contain hundreds of related services, new products, contractors, and more. The seminars this year will have some of the most professionally taught and diverse offerings in the Show’s history. Special lecture topics include interior design, landscaping and gardening, and energy savings. Additionally, cooking demonstrations will be held from some of the areas best chefs including, thanks to Rhode Island Kitchen & Bath, Chef Frank Terranova.

LEARN: Back for the second year, sponsored by National Grid and the RI Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council, the RI Home Show will feature an Energy Expo. You will be able to interact with some hands on energy exhibits made specifically for this show by the students at the Warwick Technical School. The Expo will help you take advantage of cutting edge energy saving solutions and money saving tips that will most certainly improve the comfort of your home. Attendees will have access to over 100 energy vendors, free seminars, hands-on demonstrations, and, one lucky patron will walk away with a $5,000 Energy Home Makeover!

For the kids

New to the RI Home Show this year is the 1st Annual Lego Brick Building Contest. Kids that enter at the show will have one hour to assemble hundreds of LEGO bricks into whatever their minds can create! Three prizes will be awarded in each age category (5 to 8 years and 9 to 12 years) and judging will be based on creativity. The contest will take place three times on Saturday, March 7 and twice on Sunday, March 8. Registration starts at 11 a.m. both days. The contest is first come, first served with extraordinary prizes!

Additionally, there will be World Record Balloon artist Lon Cerel and other activities and giveaways for the kids so if you have a child 15 and under make sure to bring them with you. Unlike other shows, kids are free at the RI Home Show!

Admission and showtime details

Tickets can be purchased at the door:

Adults $10

Seniors $8

Free admission for children 15 and under

The schedule for the four-day event is as follows:

Thursday, March 5: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Friday, March 6: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday, March 7: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Sunday, March 8: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The 65th Annual Rhode Island Home Show (presented by the Rhode Island Builders Association) is the largest and longest running exhibition of its kind in Southern New England and is the only locally organized home show in the Ocean State. It offers a unique marketplace experience for both homeowners and area vendors all under one roof. For more information and for the complete schedule, visit www.ribahomeshow.com and follow along on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RIBAHomeShow.

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