Orlando Home Show

Whether you’re improving an existing home, feathering a new nest, or getting ready to sell, you’ll find abundant ideas and inspiration at the 2010 Orlando Home Show. Central Florida’s leading and largest home improvement extravaganza returns to the Orange County Convention Center on October 22-24. From the front door to the back yard, guests will find the area’s largest selection of the latest products and services for the home, all under one roof.

“This is the home show that area consumers have relied on since 2003 to deliver the highest-quality products, services and experience,” said Show Manager Paul Schweitzer of Marketplace Events. “The current economy may be challenging, but improving your best investment just got easier. Whether you’ve got just a few hours or an entire day, visiting the Orlando Home Show is time well spent.” Here’s a look at show’s special features:

• John Gidding, host of HGTV’s highly rated and popular show Curb Appeal: The Block, will share his creative ideas and expertise with guests during appearances on Saturday and Sunday.

• Fall fashion tips are on tap for show guests when designer Christopher Straub, a fan favorite on season 6 of Lifetime’s Project Runway, appears on the main stage on Friday and Saturday.

• Chef Tim Keating of Disney’s Flying Fishing Cafe, Chef Jamie McFadden of Cuisiniers Catering, author Bob Morris, and Edible Orlando Publisher Kendra Lott and Editor Katie Farmand are among the area’s top chefs and culinary experts who will serve up seasonal tips and delicious samples throughout the weekend on the Edible Orlando Cooking Stage.

• New and gently used purses donated by local celebrities will be on display on Saturday only in a silent auction to benefit the Orlando Sentinel’s Newspapers in Education program. Christopher Straub will include a purse of his own design in the auction.

• From energy savings tips to fall entertaining ideas, guests can pick up helpful advice from experts presenting on the main stage throughout the weekend.

• Plus, one-of-a-kind displays featuring the original Batmobile from Warner Bros.’ Batman Returns, a classic 1965 Ford Mustang replica pool table, a "Holidays at the White House" miniature with a display of Abraham Lincoln's furniture, hundreds of exhibits with the industry’s hottest products and services for home and garden, giveaways, contests, prizes and much more.

Show hours are Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m, and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the door, and are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (60+) and free for children 12 and under. Adults are just $5 after 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday only. Advance tickets can be purchased online for a $3 discount off full-price admission for adults and seniors at www.OrlandoHomeShow.com. Convenient on-site parking is available adjacent to the Orange County Convention Center off Universal Boulevard, and is $8 per car. For more information, visit www.OrlandoHomeShow.com, or call 877-871-SHOW (7469). The Orlando Home Show and its spring sister show, the Central Florida Home & Garden Show, are both produced by Marketplace Events.