The 50th Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show gathers more than 650 exhibitors March 2-5 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave.
“With our 50th anniversary show, we are celebrating big,” says owner Becky Williamson. “It will be our biggest and most entertainment-filled show ever. It is the place to go for all your home projects where you can compare hundreds of companies and find one that will be your perfect fit for what you need. We have many vendors here, too, that do not have store fronts. So, you will only find their products here.”
The event takes place Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
If you aren’t in need of home remodeling, you can still enjoy dozens of food options, browse furniture and decor, try out a new mattress, or visit the “Garden Gallery” dedicated to everything outdoors, Williamson adds. The Gallery has unique garden accessories, gifts, fairy gardens, patio and landscape displays, plants, and hundreds of spring flowers.
“You don’t have to own your home to enjoy the show – we have something for everyone to enjoy,” Williamson adds. “Bring your family for ‘Kids Day’ on Sunday, learn about everything from composting to getting started with chickens, see Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel, and so much more. We have something happening almost every hour.”
Williamson suggests shoppers visit home-gardenshow.com ahead of time to browse through the exhibitor list. That way, if there’s something specific you’re looking for, you can identify where those vendors are located, she says.
You can also use the website to find information about the keynote speakers and entertainment happening throughout the weekend, including seminars from knowledgeable home and garden experts, piglet races, chainsaw carving demos, a petting zoo, a gnome scavenger hunt and more.
“It will help to plan ahead so you don’t miss anything,” Williamson says.
Throughout the weekend, many vendors will offer “show only” prices and giveaways. A big giveaway to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the event is a $50,000 giveaway contest sponsored by Windows, Doors and More. Up to 20 showgoers will roll the dice for a chance to win prizes valued at $50, $500, $5,000 or $50,000. Potential contestants can enter by going to home-gardenshow.com.
“Everyone will walk away with something,” Williamson says.
“A lot of people think we are a big corporation, but believe it or not, we are a small, family-owned company,” she adds. “I am the third-generation owner – my grandfather started the show in 1973 and ran it until my mom took over in 2003. In 2019, she retired, and I have taken the lead. I love what I do, and I wouldn’t be able to make it possible without my wonderful partnerships with Windows, Doors & More, our media partners, and of course, our vendors.”
Tickets are $12 general admission and $8 for seniors ages 62 and older. Children ages 15 and under can enter free.
In addition, the Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show has a charitable partnership with Community Harvest Food Bank. Visitors can bring a non-perishable food donation to the event for $2 off the regular admission cost.
“People tell me when they think of the show, it makes them think of spring,” Williamson says. “I am proud to be able to continue the tradition and bring a little bit of spring to Fort Wayne every year. I feel blessed to be a part of such a wonderful community and proud to give back as well.” ❚