Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show is a sure sign of spring

Over nearly four decades, The Duquesne Light Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show has grown to be the place to go before shopping for improvements or new additions to the home.

John DeSantis, the show’s executive director, has been leading the charge in providing the people to help make those projects happen.

DeSantis says two trends define a large portion of this year’s show, held March 6-15 at the David Lawrence Convention Center — outdoor living and “smart” house technology.

“In Western Pennsylvania, we’ve been accustomed to a 50-50 split when it comes to the weather, but this year, that hasn’t been the case,” he said. “We’re getting shorter winters and our weather is not much different than the Sun Belt.”

As a result, people are spending a lot more time and attention on outdoor living space.

Outdoor living trend

This year’s home show, the 39th edition, will feature a wide variety of vendors selling everything from patios and decks to barbecue grills, spas and pools, DeSantis said.

Even the children’s swing set has become more elaborate, featuring tree houses and trampolines.

Making its debut at the show will be a new Splash Pool, a portable fun attraction ready for a summer outdoor party, featuring items such as a 12-foot palm tree that shoots water, inflatable water toys and a wading pool.

“There’s also a lot more attention being paid to gardening and storage structures in the yard,” he said. They range from yard buildings for functional storage, to building structures — including a “Cabin in the Woods” and “Lakeside Cottage” with “the sky’s the limit” in décor.

The Lakeside structure sells for less than $15,000, the director said, and “it’s a throwback to the 1920s and ’30s — when what is now the Pittsburgh suburbs was ‘out in the country,’ a place to get away to.” Other models also are available.

Smart house technology

The other “big new direction” is all about energy and the home, he said, including heating, air conditioning, alternative energy sources such as solar and geothermal and home security. Exhibitors will be available to discuss the latest in smart house technology and the importance of getting a home energy audit.

DeSantis said the Home and Garden Show has grown from 133 exhibitors when it started back in 1981 to 1,800 exhibits this year. DeSantis expects 350,000 attendees during the 10-day run.

Farm to Table Food Expo

Returning for the second year will be the Farm to Table Local Food Expo.

Erin Hart, executive director of Farm to Table Western PA, said 26 new vendors will feature everything from gourmet foods and local farm products to food co-ops, wines, vodka and other spirits.

“The Buy Fresh Buy Local stage speakers and the Farm to Table Expo vendors represent more farms this year,” she said. “Attendees will be able to buy local cheese, meat, grains, milk, eggs, honey, maple syrup, produce and more on site.”

A full schedule of speakers will offer topics ranging from food preparation and sustainable farming to urban and home gardening, as well as details about food justice and environmental work being done in the region.

New to the show will be the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s Mobile Ag Ed Science Lab, an agriculture education science lab providing interactive activities for kids. A popular attraction last year, chicken races with Rent the Chicken, will be back.

Live bands will play Friday and Saturday nights, both weekends of the show. During the week, the Buy Fresh Buy Local stage will feature videos and movies about food-related topics. Farm to Table speakers and vendor lists are available at farmtotablepa.com.

Parking at Heinz Field

DeSantis recommends that visitors park at Heinz Field on the North Side for $8 and take the free continuous shuttles to the show.

“Give yourself plenty of time — the show is huge,” he said. “And bring the kids. There’s a whole Children’s Village area for them.”

A re-entry program is available this year. Those visiting the show can present their paid ticket before they leave the building for a free re-entry ticket for one of the remaining days.