Expo grows to record size

Residents looking for home improvements, landscaping ideas or advice on household questions made their way to the 20th annual Construction Expo at the James E. Ward Agriculture Center.

The two-day event ran Saturday and concluded Sunday afternoon.
"We had the most vendors we've ever had this year," Wilson Bank & Trust's Randall Clemmons said.

The number of exhibitors jumped to 66 for the 20th anniversary expo. That is five more than last year's total. Clemmons also noted the 2007 edition incorporated a lot more variety than in years past.

"We have a booth for garage makeovers that has been really popular," he noted.

The expo has attracted newcomers as well as booths that have been coming for a number of years. One newcomer was Judy Gillespie, who set up her interior decorating display this weekend.

"I've come to the expo as a spectator before, but this is my first time as an exhibitor," Gillespie said.

Gillespie specializes in interior changes, which use existing items the homeowner possesses and creates a different look in a space.
"It's been great," she added. "I've gotten a major response."

Other vendors also reported a good turnout and response from the visitors.

"The crowd has been more than in the past," Wesley Wall, owner of Greenhouse Gallery said.

Wall has made several appearances at the event and he noted it gives the company good results.

"This is a real good show," he said. "We've already set several appointments today."

Clemmons noted many of the vendors he talked to were pleased with the amount of visitors and the reception they were receiving. Several booth operators compared the Lebanon expo with its Nashville counterpart.
"Many vendors have said they see more results from this show than Nashville's," Clemmons said.

Expo-goers wandered through the buildings asking questions and registering for door prizes while gaining information that could help them decide on their next home project.

"I've enjoyed it," visitor Sarah Wilson said. "It's very nice."
Wilson was checking out some new windows for her home and added she liked the idea of all the exhibitors being local companies.

"I like it because I can go and find them if they make a mistake," she said.
Staff Writer Kimberly Jordan can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 44 or by email at kimberly.jordan@lebanondemocrat.com.