MONTE VISTA — Planning summer home projects or just want to learn more about local services and new home products on the market? Then this weekend’s Monte Vista Home & Garden Expo is the place to be.

The expo is ?being held on Saturday, April 7 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 8th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ski Hi Complex in Monte Vista.

Those who live in the San Luis Valley know all too well the area’s unique challenges. Weather and wind can cause damage to buildings, homes and fences. Hard water wreaks havoc on old and new plumbing alike (as well as appliances, tile, sprinklers, clothing, etc., etc.). The high altitude and short growing season means more creativity when it comes to gardening. And then there’s the dry weather, which often creates higher wildfire risk.

This year’s expo has something for everyone. There will be builders, contractors and home repair and maintenance experts. There will be businesses offering ideas for home remodeling, gardening, solar energy, greenhouses and septic systems. There will be organizations offering advice on noxious weed mitigation and fire prevention during wildfire season. And there will even be folks offering options for needs such as home inspection, tractors, utility terrain vehicles, fountains, patios, furniture and home décor.

Expo is also offering valuable presentations from a variety of experts throughout the day on Saturday.

At 9:30 a.m., Mineral County plant expert Drew Marino will present on how to identify noxious weeds and combat them with ecofriendly strategies.

At 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Adam Moore with Colorado State Forest Service will talk about creating wildfire-defensible space around homes and properties. For example, did you know that simple things like placing welcome mats and lawn furniture inside your house when you’re gone or during evacuation can reduce the risk of ignition?

At 11 a.m., Laura Conchelos with Sandhill Solar will talk about the benefits of solar energy for home and business, whether you’ve got local utilities or are living off-grid.

At 2 p.m., Abe Pearson from Colorado Plumbing & Boiler Services will discuss the pros of hiring a professional for plumbing, heating and boiler maintenance. His colorful stories about the jerry-rigged systems he’s seen in his 20 years on the job will both entertain and surprise listeners. 

For more information, visit www.montevistachamber.org, or call or email the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce at 719-852-2731 or [email protected].