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About 250 exhibitors will be featured at the 2008 RemodelOhio Show, according to organizers.

CLEVELAND — There’s never been a better time to invest in a home remodeling project. And the 2008 RemodelOhio Show will be the place to explore your options, get ideas and find a contractor.

The show begins today, Jan. 24, and runs through Jan. 27 at the I-X Center. Formerly called the NARI Home Improvement Show, the show is in its 27th year of showing Northeast Ohio residents what they can do to make their home better — both inside and outside.

According to Kathy Masterson, executive director of Professional Remodelers of Ohio, interest in home remodeling is high.

“Due to market conditions today, more people are opting to remodel than move,” Masterson said. “This show will give homeowners ideas they can visualize in order to update their current living space.”

One section of the show will highlight “The Backyard Retreat,” which organizers said is one of the hottest trends today. Outdoor appliances, deck and fencing, a decorative concrete patio and a custom putting green will be installed to give attendees a sense of what their yard can look like with a makeover.

Cuyahoga Falls resident Jenn Thomas, who won a cooking contest on “The Rachael Ray Show,” will appear at the 2008 RemodelOhio Show in Cleveland Jan. 24-27.

Photos courtesy of RemodelOhio

Kitchen appliances will be the focus of another part of the show, with cooking demonstrations scheduled throughout the event. Jenn Thomas, of Cuyahoga Falls, who won the “So You Think You Can Cook” contest on “The Rachael Ray Show” in November, will appear daily and prepare Super Bowl recipes, such as her lasagna burger and cheese fries, on a state-of-the-art Viking range in hour-long segments.

Thomas, who works at Fleming’s in Montrose, is scheduled to appear Jan. 24 and 25 at noon and 1:30 p.m. and Jan. 26 and 27 at 10:30 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m.

Cooking demonstrations also will be conducted with Eric Hinman, of Fleming’s, Jan. 24 at 3 and 4:30 p.m.; Vito Carrieri, of Corleone’s Ristorante and Bar in Parma, Jan. 25 at 3 and 4:30 p.m.; and Rocco Whalen, of Fahrenheit in Cleveland’s Tremont area, Jan. 26 at 3 and 4:30 p.m.

With so much emphasis today on conservation, “Green Living” will be another area of focus at the show. Environmentally friendly products will be featured, and seminars about making a home more energy-efficient will be conducted.

The newest technology in basement finishing will be on display in “The Ultimate Basement Remodel.” Akron’s Pioneer Basement Waterproofing will exhibit its newest system, The Basement Tuxedo. In addition, the latest in home automation and technology will be featured with examples of a home theater, office and game room. Sundance Ltd., of Copley, will provide the home theater system on display.

In addition to the displays, home improvement seminars will take place throughout each day of the show. Interior projects will be the focus on one stage, while exterior projects will be at another. Experts will present seminars on topics such as faux painting, wallpaper hanging and home security systems.

Attendees also can visit booths featuring about 250 professional remodeling companies, who will exhibit their products and services and be on hand to talk about projects.

Hours for the 2008 RemodelOhio Show are from noon to 9 p.m. Jan. 24 and 25, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Jan. 26 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 27. Admission is $12 but free for children younger than 16. Admission is half-price Jan. 24 with a Golden Buckeye Card, and women will pay half-price Jan. 25. Discount coupons are available at www.remodelohio.org. The I-X Center is located at 6200 Riverside Drive.