PORTLAND – With spring in full swing, it’s the perfect time to consider some home improvements and the 42nd annual Portland Home Show was the perfect place to do it.

Homeowners and contractors flooded the Portland Expo and Portland Ice Arena on Saturday to see the wide array of services and products on display by more than 300 exhibitors.

Additional Photos

Matt Stetson of Marvin’s shows replacement windows to Lisa and Paul Naseef of Cape Elizabeth at the Portland Home Show, which is expected to draw 12,000 visitors this weekend. Photos by John Patriquin/Staff Photographer

Anita Holmquist of Raymond and her sister Margo Jones of Beverly, Mass., check out chairs Saturday at the 42nd annual Portland Home Show at the Portland Expo and Portland Ice Arena. The show continues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. John Patriquin

“We come every year,” Sheila Labbe of Gray said, while her friend purchased Egyptian cotton sheets. “It’s neat. They always have a good variety to look at.”

From patio furniture and decking to kitchen gadgets and appliances, there was something for everyone.

The booth displaying EarthNet Energy solar panel collectors distributed by Hammersaw Solar of South Portland got a lot of attention.

“I saw a truck this morning with $3.69 per gallon of oil on it,” said Ted Hellier, a distributor for the company. “That’s why people want to know how they can heat their homes (with solar energy).”

Hellier explained to Paul and Bette Harmon how the fins in each tube collect the solar energy and heat a rod at the top of the tube, feeding that energy into an exchanger that can heat a home’s water system.

Paul Harmon said with the cost of energy rising, he and his wife are taking a closer look at alternative heating sources. The couple are seriously considering solar as a means to heat their home in Gray.

“It’s a way to be more self-sufficient,” Bette Harmon said.

Others were there to browse for deals.

Joan and Gil Couture of Portland are hoping to upgrade parts of their 25-year-old home. Gil Couture said the show was a great place to find a good price on outdoor stairs.

Joan Couture entered a drawing at Home Again by Hancock Lumber for a set of kitchen appliances valued at $3,500.

Berta Campbell, who was staffing Home Again’s booth, said the display featured a taste of what the South Portland store carries.

“We just wanted to show a little bit of everything we can do,” from bathroom vanities to outdoor kitchens, she said.

The show is expected to draw a 12,000 visitors over the weekend. It continues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.

Staff Writer Emma Bouthillette can be contacted at 791-6325 or at:

ebouthillette@pressherald.com