30th anniversary of the dogwood arts festival’s house & garden

published: February 20 2008 06:21 AM updated:: February 20 2008 09:03 AM

Back bigger and better than ever, the Dogwood Arts Festival’s House & Garden Show opens Friday, February 22, at the Knoxville Convention Center and runs through Sunday, February 24. The spotlight at this year’s House & Garden Show will fall on the main DIY stage, talking about gardening and home improvement.

Talent includes, “The Dirt On…” and new series, “Yard Crashers,” host Ahmed Hassan, “Rock Solid: and “Inside Out” co-hosts and master stone masons Dean Marsico and Derek Stearns, and “Backyard Stadiums” host Amy Wynn Pastor.

“We are delighted to welcome back Ahmed Hassan and the DIY Network to the House & Garden Show,” says Susan Iglehart, House & Garden Show chairman. “Our sponsors, exhibitors, and popular themes will provide a truly memorable experience for all.” Other new attractions include a How-To Workshop stage showcasing local florists and artists. Artisans-in-Action, artsy painted park benches designed by Knox County art students.

Wheelbarrow gardens available for purchase and flower-potting for children plus flower market offering visitors the opportunity to purchase a variety of fresh floral varieties. For patrons seeking a break from perusing more than 206 exhibitor booths on the show floor, a wine and cheese garden will be available in an outdoor café setting.

Wine will be available at a cash bar and cheese is complementary. Visitors are invited to tour nine award-winning gardens covering 10,000 square-feet, nine roomscapes, and 13 “Designs for Dining” TableScapes.

This is the 30th year for Tennessee’s finest house and garden show of its kind. Each year more than 30,000 visitors come to the show to shop, compare, and save on a wide variety of home and garden products and services for remodeling, gardening, and decorating.

The Dogwood Arts Festival, presented by the ORNL Federal Credit Union, is recognized as one of the top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, and is held April 4-23, 2008.

The mission of the Dogwood Arts Festival is to provide the ultimate experience combining the arts and natural beauty. The festival’s mission is to help fund arts education, promote the visual and performing arts, and help preserve and enhance the beauty of the region. Show hours for the House & Garden Show, sponsored by the Knoxville News Sentinel, are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, February 22; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday February 23; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, February 24. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for children 6-12, and free for children 5 and under.

For more information about the House & Garden Show and the Dogwood Arts Festival call 865-637-4561 or visit www.dogwoodarts.com.

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