T-R PHOTO BY SARA JORDAN-HEINTZ - Spring was in the air at the annual Times-Republican Home & Garden Show, which took place Saturday at the Marshalltown Mall. Around 30 vendors spanned the mall, inside and outside, helping attendees with their home and garden needs. Here Bernd Wittneben, co-owner of Bernd’s Ponds in Wellsburg, meets with attendees.

Spring was in the air at the annual Times-Republican Home & Garden Show, which took place Saturday at the Marshalltown Mall. Around 30 vendors spanned the mall, inside and outside, helping attendees with their home and garden needs.

“The vendors were happy. We were busy since before the show even started, so that was nice,” T-R Marketing Director Deanna Davis McGowan said. “People came out looking for ideas.”

Vendors offered information about custom countertops, spray foam insulation and concrete raising, bathtubs, painting, windows, homeowners’ insurance, real estate, landscaping, garden decor and more.

“We wanted to bring our kids out to this for a fun day. We’ve been to it in the past. Right now we’re doing repairs on our house from the tornado, so we’re looking for some ideas for stuff for the yard and house,” attendee Kari Ryan said.

Isle of Green had a table set up for youngsters to plant a polka dot plant to take home. In addition, there was also a coloring contest. An exuberant Easter Bunny and his “carrot stick” friend were also on hand to meet kids, give out candy and pose for photos.

“We did this last year too. The rates are reasonable. We spend thousands at some places. This way, we have a lot more stuff in the booth, and it’s local,” Burdette Walters, co-owner of Bernd’s Ponds in Wellsburg said.

Michael and Allison Cole, owners of Creasion Countertops in Eldora showed people ways countertops could be customized to match the color scheme you so desire.

“We came to the home show because we’re moving from Eldora to the Marshalltown area, and we wanted to get our fingers out there and see people,” Allison Cole said.

Marshalltown Police Department officers provided safety tips for bicycles and car seats.

More than $15,000 in door prizes provided by the various vendors and the TR were awarded. Folks left with goodie bags.

To learn more about this event, contact Davis McGowan at 641-753-6611 or ddavis@timesrepublican.com