ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, April 4, 1997 TAG: 9704040038
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: B-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JENNIFER HUANG THE ROANOKE TIMES
The annual home products show this weekend in Salem includes some products intended to ease the tensions of the work week.
Imagine lounging in a steaming, frothy hot tub after a hectic week at work. That's what visitors at the Better Living Expo '97 Home Show can do at the Cal Spas and Pools display.
The display is part of the 27th annual home show sponsored by the Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association. The show runs today through Sunday at the Salem Civic Center.
To allow attendees to experience its products, Cal Spas will let visitors to step into a heated whirlpool tub.
"They can play with the controls to adjust the force and direction of the jet stream," said the store's manager, Chris Prillaman. "We want them to know exactly what it's like to own a hot tub."
About 170 exhibitors have filled every nook and cranny of the center to show new products and services for building, repairing or remodeling a home. Products on display include log homes, furniture, appliances, sun rooms, trailers and flooring.
"It's one-stop shopping," said Melody Williams, vice president of the association.
Standing in front of a gleaming bathroom display, Sondra Hite, showroom manager for CMC Supply Inc., said she hopes to inspire show attendees.
"People like our decorating ideas," Hite said. "And as they see new products, they might get the idea to rebuild."
Sometimes just having a display of shiny new products isn't enough to attract attention. Surrounding its vinyl flooring products, Surfaces Inc. constructed a 15-foot wooden castle to project the theme "Your Home is Your Castle."
"We hope people will remember such a creative design which shows our willingness to say yes to their design ideas," said Kathy Sue Grigg, a salesperson.
The show will be open 3-9 p.m. today, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $3.50, $2.00 for retirees and free for children 12 and under. Also, home improvement seminars will be offered throughout the weekend.
LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: CARY BEST/THE ROANOKE TIMES. Surrounding its vinylby CNBflooring products, Surfaces Inc. constructed a 15-foot wooden castle
to project the theme "Your Home is Your Castle." Chris Lampkin
(left) paints, while Whitney Brock (center) and Kathy Sue Grigg work
on the exhibit at the Salem Civic Center. color.