• 
• CLASS
• JOBS
• AUTO
• HOMES

Gilbert Brown, much more at the Lake Geneva Home Improvement Expo

Photo

Former Green Bay Packer Gilbert Brown will appear and sign autographs at this year's Lake Geneva Home Improvement Expo. Brown anchored a Green Bay defensive line that led the Packers to two Super Bowls, one of which they won.

LAKE GENEVA — Lakeland Builders Association has added more features to their annual home expo, starting with the name. Now called The Lake Geneva Home Improvement Expo, the event takes place Feb. 18-19.

For the third year, the expo will be held at the The Forum Convention Center at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva. The expo features exhibitors, special attractions, free seminars and a wine and beer garden. It is a chance to talk to owners and employees of many kinds of home product and service companies that contribute to making one’s home environment a comfortable place to live.

Those attending the expo may enter a raffle drawing of their choice, using their admission ticket. Extra tickets also will be available. The prizes include a Gravedigger shovel and autographed picture of former Green Bay Packers Gilbert Brown doing his gravedigger dance. Or, you could choose to enter a raffle for a game day jersey from Aaron Rodgers of the Packers, Ryan Braun of the Brewers or Brian Urlacher of the Bears.

Brown will be at the expo from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday. In exchange for a donation to his charity, he will autograph your memorabilia.

Additional sports memorabilia will be available through a silent auction. Get there early and place your bid.

While you’re at the expo, be sure to check out the Student Woodworking Competition, with entries from students of Badger and Big Foot high schools. LBA members will judge all entries, which include a clock, rocking chair, sled, tables and more, and award cash prizes to the best constructed projects. Some of these items will be available to purchase through a silent auction.

A Taste of the Lakes is available both days of the expo, featuring Bittner’s Bakery, Next Door Pub, Sperino’s Little Italy and Brown’s BBQ.

Local market vendors also will be hand -- find out why customers of Yuppie Hill Poultry, Roses Fresh Market and Brick Street Market are so enthusiastic about their products. The LBA has a tasty treat of their own -- check out their signature corn salsa sale.

If you’re considering any remodeling or building project, or just want to dream a little, be sure to check out the informative seminars sponsored by the LBA members. The seminars are free with your admittance to the expo.

Be sure to bring your little builders to this year’s expo -- LBA members have created a series of Little Builder Association workshops just for them. And they’re free. Build a wood project to take home, have a go at brick laying, mess around in the dirt and help create a colorful paint project.

Top off your expo experience with an encore performance by R.C. Juggles & Company. Ryan Freeman creates marvelous balloon creations that delight all ages.

Lake Geneva Home Improvement Expo:

Live and Local

Saturday, Feb. 18: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 19: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Forum Convention Center, Grand Geneva Resort &Spa, 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva

Tickets: $5, available at the door. Children age 12 and under enter free. Seniors, age 55 and older enter free on Sunday.

Contact: Lakeland Builders Association, (262) 723-2908, or go online to www.lakelandba.com