WATERLOO -- Homeowners tired of shoveling snow and in need of a whiff of spring will find it at the Eastern Iowa Home Improvement and Landscaping Show. Doors open at 4 p.m. today at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center, and the event continues through Sunday.

Nearly 200 home improvement and landscape exhibitors will be present for the 57th annual show.

"We're expecting about 15,000 to 17,000 visitors this year," said Barb Miller of Iowa Show Productions, show organizers. Sponsors are the Waterloo Exchange Club.

She doesn't expect snowy weather to discourage attendance. "The weather looks like it will be nicer for the weekend, and people will be ready to get out and get a breath of fresh air," she said "The Home Show is always a wonderful place to come for ideas for landscaping and home remodeling, even if the project is down the road a year or two. People can visit with prospective contractors and see what new products are available."

The show's exhibition space was reconfigured last year for a fresh look, and there are many new exhibitors, as well as familar vendors with new displays.

"Lots of exhibitors are coming with new products that 'go green,' that are environmentally friendly. We also have new landscapers coming to the show," Miller explains, including Outdoor Design of Mason City, Matthias Landscaping of Cedar Falls and Beaver Valley Landscaping of Waterloo.

Other new exhibitors include Omnitel of Mason City, featuring home theater options, Sunrooms by Team, Waterloo Implement, Webco, a home security firm, and Winderfuel Inc., displaying home wind generators.

Homeowners can make their remodeling or construction project "green" by selecting a contractor who is certified in the "Green Advantage Residential Program". Energy-saving construction ideas at the Home Show will include structural insulated panels, insulated garage doors, energy-efficient windows and insulation.

Products and ideas for interior and exterior projects will be featured. Homeowners can consult with new home contractors and remodeling experts. Displays will feature trends in home entertainment systems, sun rooms, hot tubs and spas, fireplaces, home organizing systems and decking.

Experts will be available to discuss flooring, kitchens, baths, lighting, security systems, real estate, garages, windows, doors, siding and more.

The American Society of Interior Designers Showcase features expertly-created room settings displaying the latest interior designs and styles.

Food and beverage samples will keep visitors fortified for trekking through the exhibits.

Along with exhibitors, the show also will feature free seminars, including growing trees and shrubs, native plants, pond construction, geothermal energy, buying a first home, energy-efficient home construction and other topics.

Featured speaker is "The Garden Hoe," Lis Friemoth. Friemoth is host of a monthly garden radio show and has a bachelor's degree in science from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and a master's degree in urban planning from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. She has worked as a horticulturist for more that 10 years.

Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. today; 4 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; children 12 and under are free.

Contact Melody Parker at melody.parker@wcfcourier.com.