WILLIAMSBURG — One of the first large-scale events at the new Greater Williamsburg Sports & Events Center takes place this weekend when The Home Owners Expo comes to town.
The free event — on both Saturday and Sunday — will include local contractors and business owners spanning a range of home improvement services from foundations to roofing. Additionally, Matt Fox, co-host of HGTV’s “Room by Room,” the network’s first and longest-running decorating show, will speak at noon and 2 p.m. Saturday, providing tips, tricks and tools for home remodeling.
Mid Atlantic Expositions and Entertainment
Matt Fox
“We shot a show in Williamsburg a few years ago, and I am excited to be coming back,” Fox said. “Williamsburg is a wonderful place to be.”
During his time on “Room by Room,” which first premiered in 1994 and ran for 13 seasons, Fox, along with co-host Shari Hiller, renovated real rooms in homes using affordable DIY techniques. He first learned tricks of the trade as a child from his mother — she taught him how to fix almost anything with a butter knife — and later gained more experience while building theater sets in college.
“I like the process of it all,” he said. “I like the tactile feel, creating and working with my hands. I find it satisfying.”
Fox has been attending home shows for more than 30 years. In addition to answering questions, offering advice and budget-friendly makeover ideas and interacting with homeowners, Fox said he also hopes to learn more about the latest trends in flooring during this year’s event, as he and his wife are looking to upgrade the floors in their own home.
“Home shows are great,” Fox said. “If you are thinking about a project, this is the place to go so you can talk to the pros. You need to talk to someone who knows it and does it every day.”
Also on hand during this weekend’s expo will be Amy Holl Ahearn, operator of the local business Decorating Den Interiors, who will discuss what to consider when remodeling a kitchen. Other show highlights include garden and landscaping advice from the James City County/Williamsburg Master Gardener Association, free antique appraisals with Todd Peenstra Antiques and the “Fetch the Fun” dog show.
The “Fetch the Fun” dog show, a family-friendly crowd-pleaser featuring talented canines showing off agility and tricks, will take place both days of The Home Owners Expo. (Mid Atlantic Expositions and Entertainment)
The family-friendly expo will also feature children’s activities, interactive demonstrations, exclusive discounts, giveaways and free consultations. More than 100 exhibitors will be in attendance, including builders, roofers, painters, solar and HVAC professionals, flooring and window specialists, landscapers, organizers and other home-service providers.
Brandy Centolanza, [email protected]
If you go
What: The Home Owners Expo
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Greater Williamsburg Sports & Event Center, 250 Visitors Center Drive, Williamsburg
Admission & parking: Free
Information: thehomeownersexpo.com/event/williamsburg