News Release

FORT WAYNE — Fort Wayne Shows Inc., northeast Indiana’s largest home and garden event producer, will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Fort Wayne Home and Garden Show this year. From March 2-5, the FWHGS, presented by Windows, Doors and More, will bring over 650 exhibitors to the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. A portion of all ticket proceeds and revenue will be donated to Community Harvest Food Bank.

Fort Wayne Home and Garden Show is inviting the public to help them name their mascot. Photo provided.

“We are so excited to bring you our biggest and best show yet. We are celebrating our 50th anniversary with a bang. We are bringing in some of our best features from over the years and hosting our biggest giveaway ever. You won’t want to miss this,” says show owner Becky Williamson.

New features for the 50th anniversary include: the $50k & More Giveaway, the unveiling of the official show mascot, a virtual scavenger hunt, new community performances and a special 50th anniversary celebration. More details will be released as the event approaches.

Fort Wayne Home and Garden Show is also marking its 50th anniversary by welcoming a mascot, and they are inviting the public to help name their gnome. From now through Feb. 17, visit its Facebook page and leave a comment with your name suggestion on their “Name Our Gnome” post pinned to the top. They will select the finalists from the submissions and ask the public to vote for their favorite on their website. The winning name will be revealed on their 2023 show’s opening day.

Attractions, entertainment, educational opportunities and giveaways include:

• $50,000 & More Giveaway Contest — Up to 20 qualifying showgoers will get to roll the dice for a chance to win many prizes from FWHGS exhibitors. The grand prize is valued at $50,000. Sign up here for a chance to participate.
• Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel is back by popular demand. World-famous for her skiing prowess and seen in TV, shows and movies, Twiggy has come out of retirement to teach boating safety once again.
• Mad Dog and Merrill — Certified Grillologists and Midwest Grillin’ Experts Mad Dog and Merrill return to share some of their favorite grilling tips, tricks and recipes.
• The Renegade Gardener — Meet and learn from Don Engebretson, a gardening author and expert who has written articles for many major magazines, national and local newspapers.
• Show Bucks — The FWHGS has doubled the value of show bucks giveaways to $50 each in honor of their 50th anniversary. Enter to win show bucks online, which act like gift certificates you can spend at the show. They are also giving away more Show Bucks, at the show. Sign up here to preregister.
• Piglet Races — Piglet races will be held each day.
• Chainsaw Carving Demos — Watch local artist Myles Nasby create art before your eyes and purchase some of his finished pieces or commission a custom piece for your own.
• Petting Zoo and Indiana Wild — From farm to exotic, from baby ducks to snakes, you can learn about and interact with animals at the show and pose for pictures.
• Gnome Scavenger Hunt — This kids challenge will have those 12 and under on the lookout for 12 gnomes hidden around the show. Those who can find all 12 can claim a prize at the info booth.
• Kids’ Day on Sunday — A stilt-walking balloon artist and other kids’ entertainment will be featured at the FWHGS.
• Charitable Partner/Food Drive — The FWHGS is partnering with Community Harvest Food Bank. CHFB has been helping the community for many years. Bring a non-perishable food donation to the show to receive a $2 off general admission discount. This cannot be combined with other discounts.
• Thanks to WAJI, attendees could win $1,000 at the show.

Traditional Show highlights include:

• Purdue Extension Garden Expert Stage — Learn from Master Gardeners and gardening experts in their education seminar series.
• Garden Gallery — Stroll through the Garden Gallery full of unique garden accessories, gifts, plants, fairy gardens, patio and landscape displays and hundreds of spring flowers.
• Family Fun — The FWHGS promises to be an event aimed at families and people of all ages, including a petting zoo, reptiles, pig races and more.

“It wouldn’t be the Fort Wayne Home and Garden Show without our traditional show highlights. We have a full show this year full of our usual show staples and vendors that we know and love,” says Williamson.

With over 650 exhibitors, the Home and Garden Show is the place to see the latest in contemporary home and garden products and services. Attendees can expect to find all the inspiration and help needed for all types of home improvement projects. Exhibitors feature products and services for kitchen, bath, landscaping, interior decor, bedding, windows, siding, roofing, gutters, patios, driveways, garden accessories, gifts, plants, fairy gardens, patio and landscape displays and spring flowers.

The Fort Wayne Home and Garden Show will take place from March 2-5 at the War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. Parking at the Coliseum lot is $8.

Show hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Ticket prices are $12 at the door; $8 for seniors 62 and older; and free for kids 14 and under. Discount coupons for $2 off are available online at Home-GardenShow.com.

For more information on the show, visit www.Home-GardenShow.com.