Hours for the Home Show will be 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on March 9, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on March 10. Admission is $5 per adult, with children 12 and younger admitted at no charge.

Scheduled shortly before the traditional construction season, the Home Show allows visitors to meet a variety of vendors who may offer resources for a home-related project.

“There’s nothing like face-to-face interaction,” said Home Builders Association executive officer Eric Leister.

As of mid-February, 50 or so vendors had signed on to be part of this year’s Home Show. The lineup includes builders, suppliers of materials, designers, financing providers, landscaping and irrigation contractors and numerous other types of vendors.

“We have vendors from all over the state participating, and many are right in our backyard,” Leister said.

With a theme of “Concept to Reality” selected for this year’s show, Leister encourages visitors to discuss their project goals in detail with vendors.

“They want to see your goals and ambitions become reality,” he said.

This year, Leister noted that the event’s organizers are putting increased emphasis on the educational seminars to be provided in a designated area on the Home Show floor.

Times and descriptions for the seminars — offered to interested Home Show guests as part of the regular admission price — will be available at the Home Builders Association’s website, www.hbanm.com, along with other event details.

Silent auction bidding will be open during the show for the annual Garage Build program.

As part of this, the winning bidder will secure the opportunity to have a two-car garage constructed by students in several area schools’ building trades programs, with materials included. Auction proceeds help support local building trades education programs.

A preview party, planned for 5-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 8, at the Home Show site, will give attendees an early chance to browse the booths as well as opportunities to network with building industry professionals.

The preview event will feature appetizers, a cash bar and live musical entertainment, and is open to the public for an admission fee of $10. Those planning to attend the preview are asked to call the Home Builders Association office at (231) 348-9770 to RSVP.

On behalf of the Home Builders Association, Leister noted thanks to North Central Michigan College for use of the event space, and also to key event sponsor Owens Soft Water.

The Home Builders Association serves members in home construction and related industries around Emmet, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Otsego counties, providing them with services such as advocacy, promotion, education and networking.