by Randi Shaffer (Twitter Handle: @RandiMShaffer)
The Home Builders Association of Central Michigan is preparing for what could be its biggest home show in 45 years.
This year, the HBA is bringing in Todd Davis, star of HGTV’s Room Crashers.
The show, which runs 5 to 9 p.m. March 8, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 9 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 10, will be at the Central Michigan University Indoor Athletic Center.
Davis will host showtimes 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. March 9 and 1 p.m. March 10, with a question and answer segment and a chance for autographs.
“We try to change it up every year, but we felt bringing a celebrity in would just give it that extra pizzazz,” Aaron Liscomb, HBA vice president and home show committee chair, said.
HBA Executive Director Carmelina Crisci said the show is an opportunity for consumers to get their home projects done and make their dream home come to life.
Home show attendants will have a chance to meet all of the area’s contractors and subcontractors all under one roof.
Liscomb the show typically sees about 5,000 people in a weekend.
He said this year is expected to be a pivotal year for the show.
Crisci said that with the home building industry picking up and interest rates remaining at an all-time low, now is a better time than ever to get started on housing projects, whether new building or remodeling, before interest rates pick back up.
“Housing’s rebounding,” Liscomb said. “We’re seeing a lot more activity with home renovations, new home building.”
Crisci said with Davis coming, the HBA isn’t sure what kind of attendance to expect.
Because the women make the decisions on the house, Crisci laughed, the home show will feature an outdoor barbecue area and the Bandit Industries NASCAR car there to entertain the men.
In addition, attendants can enter for a chance to win a $5,000 room makeover, or lunch with Davis.
Liscomb said that the HBA usually starts planning its annual home show in October, after its summer events.
However, the decision to bring Davis has been a long time coming.
“It kind of gives the home show a new spin, a fresh new look,” Liscomb said. “Something… different.”
Crisci said she had to do some digging to get a celebrity at the show.
The decision to get Davis was made after a process of elimination.
Liscomb said the home show committee selected Davis, who happened to be available.
Davis is currently starting a new show, America’s Ugliest Homes, and is taking a break from filming to appear at the home show.
Crisci said the HBA is excited for this year’s show.
“I mean, come on, you’re going to see a TV celebrity at the home show!” she said.
Admission is $4 for adults and free for children under 12.
Advance tickets are available at the HBA office, 2026 Independence Drive; Mission Lumber and Ric’s Food Center in Mt. Pleasant.
Randi Shaffer can be reached at 989-779-6059, rshaffer@michigannewspapers.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/randi.shaffer