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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Workers are busy setting up for the largest home and garden expo in southeast Iowa.

The ottumwa Home expo brings more than a 100 vendors and offers free seminars for homeowners.

Ottumwa area Chamber of Commerce member John Burgett said the overall purpose of the exposition is to give local businesses the opportunity to demonstrate and show goods and services to people attending the show.

Organizers say they are expecting 5,000 people this weekend.

"It’s a great way to start off your spring.  You’re going to get a lot of ideas on outside gardening tips. You’re going to get the opportunity to look at some new vehicles. It’s a great year to buy new appliances with some of the rebates that are being offered for new appliances, new windows, and new doors," said Burgett.

Visitors should have plenty to do at the show and they can learn about different areas of home life.

“(We’ve got some) active participation things where people can come in and lean about Faux finishing, about box gardens, and things like that.  There is a nice cooking exhibition done by the chef at Bridge View Center, some really neat things like that,” Burgett said.

Admission is $4. The expo runs this Friday from 2:00-8:00, Saturday from 10:00-8:00, and Sunday from 12:00-4:00.

For the home expo web site, click here.