The 20th annual Spring Home & Patio Show pulls into to the National Western Complex today. The four-day event boasts 20,000 square feet of outdoor- living vendors and vignettes, along with gardening displays, water elements, landscape lighting and furnishings. The show’s “Gardens of Excellence” program also features “Celebrity Patios” designed by an Associated Landscape Contractor of Colorado for such local celebrities as Opie Gone Bad singer Jake Schroeder and Museum of Contemporary Art/Denver director and chief curator Cydney Payton. Show hours are today from 3 to 9 p.m.; Friday from noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $8 at the door for adults; children under 12 are admitted free. Details at .
Crafty kid contest
For the second year in a row, LEGO is challenging creative kids to submit essay responses that showcase diverse design talents as part of its Creation Nation campaign. The top five winning entries will receive $5,000 to fund their creative endeavors. Last year’s winning entries, one of which is shown here, came from budding entrepreneurs, inventors, artists, authors and musicians. LEGO wants the contest to stress the importance of creativity for kids — at home, in school and in the community. The deadline is May 23.
A tool to help you see the light
Center Mark is a new gadget that allows do-it-yourselfers to easily and quickly locate recessed light fixtures behind drywall ceilings without measuring. “The Center Mark provides a simple solution to locating recessed lighting access holes,” says inventor Dave Crorey. “By eliminating the need for any measurement, you save time and material costs that can result from error, as well improving the quality of your ceiling project.” Center Mark kits are about $18 at The Home Depot. To see a video demonstration of the product go to pages/cmk_demonstrations.htm.
