Even if you’re not in the market for a home improvement project, the Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council expects that, when you come to its 53rd annual spring show this week, there’ll be something to make you glad you fought off cabin fever to visit.
Such as?
■An outdoor living area that not only offers information on incorporating barbecue grills, open fire pits, stone designs and water into your yard’s landscape, but also a midwinter respite called the Wayside BBQ Pub & Grill, where grilled food will be served.
■A “Put a Little Love in Your Home” pet display, which shows accommodations for cats and dogs — for example, feeding areas, a washing station, cat-climbing shelves — that can be built into a home.
■A cooking demonstration by former Green Bay Packer LeRoy Butler and a photo session with current Packer Davon House, both on Saturday.
■A visit from Leila Dunbar of the TV show “Antiques Roadshow” on Saturday and Sunday.
■Home repair tips from Wisconsin’s Mr. Fix-It, Tom Feiza, and horticultural advice from the area’s “Plant Doctor,” Melinda Myers.
■Daily grilling shows by Mad Dog & Merrill.
That is a little taste of what NARI has on its schedule for the four-day event, along with more than 700 booths for home improvement and remodeling exhibitors.
“We’re taking the core of the show and trying to add enough flourishes to appeal to everyone and make it a destination event,” said David Fantle, executive director of Milwaukee/NARI.
The show opens at noon Thursday at the State Fair Park Exposition Center at 8200 W. Greenfield Ave. in West Allis and runs through Sunday.
Just before the show opens Thursday, Milwaukee/NARI will conduct its first job fair, in which NARI members hope to meet future employees. The job fair, with about 30 participants from NARI, is scheduled from 8 to 11 a.m. on the second floor of the Expo Center.
High on the list of needs is carpenters, although many other types of jobs also are available. Milwaukee/NARI Foundation President Tom Callen said carpenters are in shorter supply because high schools have cut back on woodworking and carpentry training and the recession sent existing carpenters into other professions. But they’re needed now, and although experienced carpenters are sought, Callen said companies will train people who want to make it a profession.
“The real key is the willingness to work and come to work every day and be on time and have a good work ethic, but also a good attitude toward not only their job but toward the customers as well,” said Callen, founder of Callen Construction.
This year’s show includes the Nehmey Construction Interior Design Contest, in which students from Gateway Technical College, Milwaukee Area Technical College, the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design and Waukesha County Technical College will compete to create room space that incorporates a pet theme.
Among other general exhibits: A garage display will feature new products, including organizers and tools; a “Kids Creative Zone,” where on Saturday and Sunday youths can take part in arts and crafts, interactive activities and face painting and have a photo taken with the Milwaukee/NARI mascot, Gerry the Carpenter Ant; and new cars and trucks from Schlossmann Auto Group.
IF YOU GO
What: Milwaukee/NARI 53rd Annual Home Improvement Show
Where: State Fair Park Exposition Center, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis
When: Thursday, noon to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ticket cost: At the door, $8 for adults; $5 for seniors 55 and older; free for children 16 or younger, and for active or retired military personnel with photo ID. Thursday is Senior Day, with $1 off at the gate for those 55 or older; a coupon for $2 off admission is available at weathertightcorp.com or in Wednesday’s Journal Sentinel.
Parking: Parking is $5 at State Fair Park (enter Gate 1, 4 or 5)