Weekend Update: April 10-12

The Southern Ideal Home Show features hundreds of  companies providing indoor and outdoor home improvements (photo courtesy of Southern Shows).

Come on out to the fairgrounds this weekend and enjoy sunshine, shopping and the Southern Ideal Home Show – Spring Edition. This popular annual fairgrounds event takes over Graham Building and Expo Center Friday through Sunday, featuring hundreds of building, remodeling, kitchen and bath, landscaping, outdoor living and interior design companies. The event provides homeowners with opportunities to shop, compare and seek advice from professionals and see the latest in home improvement trends. Hours are Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.  to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults, free for children 15  and under with paying adult. Adults ages 55 and over get in for $7 on Friday. Hero Day is on Friday and offers free admission with an active and valid military, police, fire or EMT identification card.

Other events this weekend:

Veterans Career Fair & Diversity Expo is Thursday in the Martin Building. Several Fortune 500 G1000 companies will be represented. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and admission is free.

The Raleigh Invitation Horse Show starts Thursday at the Hunt Horse Complex. This show features American Saddle Bred and Morgan horse and is a qualifier for the World Championship Horse Show. Spectator admission is free. Session start times are Thursday, 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Chatlee Boat Show & Sale kicks off on Thursday in the Scott Building, featuring a large selection of saltwater, skiffs, ski & deck boards. The show is open noon to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.

The Wee Cycle Consignment Sale is this weekend in the Holshouser Building. Sale includes gently used children’s clothing, shoes, toys, books, children’s furniture, baby equipment, maternity wear and more. Sale is open Friday, 1 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

The Pilot Club of Raleigh will hold a geranium sale at the L.R. Harrill Center Friday through Sunday. The money raised will go toward the club’s charity work.

India Fest will be Saturday and Sunday in Dorton Arena. Indian cultural arts, including dance, music, cultural cuisine and traditional crafts, will be featured. Hours are Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. With  more than 1,200 performers, India Fest is the largest such production in the United States. Bollywood singer Ambili Menon will headline India Fest at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Raffles and door prizes will be held throughout the event. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children ages 5 to 12, and free for children under 5. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children after 4 p.m. on Saturday only.

 Unleashed Mutt Spring Fling is Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Heritage Circle. Activities include dog Easter egg hunt, contests and other games for dogs and people. Admission is free and donations of food and supplies will be accepted. The event will kick off with a rescue dog parade. Rescue groups and vendors will be available. Unleashed is a dog and cat store that offers natural food, treats and chews.

The Pipe and Tobacciana Expo will be Saturday in the Martin Building. The expo includes distributors, collectors and pipe clubs. A selection of smoking pipes, pipe racks, humidors and smoking accessories will be available as well as custom-blended tobaccos from around the world, pipe makers and pipe trading. Expo also features hourly raffles and door prizes. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $5.

The Raleigh Flea Market is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, featuring hundreds of dealers, craftsmen and booths.

About Funhouse

On the blog I go by Fun House (AKA Heather Overton). At the Fair you'll find me checking out the blue ribbon winners or hanging out in Heritage Circle. It would be hard for me to pick a favorite part of the Fair, but I can tell you one thing I hate - leaving it on the last day. I can't wait for opening day!

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