WATERLOO - The spring thaw begins this weekend for homeowners anticipating home improvement and landscaping projects.

An estimated 15,000 visitors are expected to cross the threshold at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center for the 58th annual Eastern Iowa Home Improvement and Landscaping Show, Friday through Sunday.

Hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $6 for adults; youth 12 and under are free.

There is no Thursday show this year, said Barb Miller of Iowa Show Productions. "We wanted to concentrate attendance over the weekend. It's more efficient and effective for our vendors.

It gives the vendors a little more time to set up. Attendance has been down on Thursday nights, so it was an easy decision to make," she said.

Co-sponsor is the Waterloo Exchange Club.

Nearly 200 exhibitors are expected to showcase their latest ideas and products for the home, lawn and garden.

Exhibits will include new home contractors, remodeling experts, home entertainment, sunrooms, hot tubs and spas, flooring, basement systems, decks, kitchen and bathroom ideas, fireplaces, plus garages and garage doors.

Experts will be available to discuss home security systems, outdoor lighting, real estate, painting, wallpapering, water treatment, vacuums and more.

Landscaped gardens will be built by local landscapers, Miller said. Ideas for exterior home improvement projects will include concrete color and stamping, outdoor lighting and the latest in lawn care.

The Home Show will again feature rooms designed by members of the American Society of Interior Designers. ASID members will be available, in cooperation with Sherwin-Williams, to meet with those affected by tornado and flooding who need help in choosing colors for their rebuilding projects. The session is Sunday from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Seminars will be presented daily. Topics will include energy-efficient home construction, kitchen designs, home lighting, spices and herbs for healthy cooking, selecting art for the home, landscape design, pruning, property surveying and preparing for digital TV.

Contact Melody Parker at (319) 291-1429 or melody.parker@wcfcourier.com.