Philly Home and Garden Show Returns This Weekend

COVID-19 no doubt produced unemployment, death, uncertainty, domestic violence and many other tragedies. Despite the countless horrors some people found bright spots.

Christina Figueroa, originally of Northeast Philadelphia, launched Philly Pop up Picnics in April 2021.

“My business was born of the pandemic,” said Figueroa. “I actually thought of the idea while we were in quarantine.”

She saw some people in California set up high-scale picnics and decided to try something similar in Philadelphia.

“I thought what a great way to enjoy peoples’ company outside in the fresh air,” said Figueroa. “People still wanted to connect at that time so this was a safe way to be able to do that.”

This Friday through Sunday (Feb. 25-27) Figueroa and over 200 other exhibitors will showcase their products at the Philly Home and Garden Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pa.

Attendees can get invaluable tips about home decor, gardening, and landscaping.

“I never showcased my products before,” said Figueroa. She described her business as an upgraded picnic. They include fancy linen and glassware, pretty baskets and a great ambience.

Figueroa added that she is proud to be a member of the LGBTQ community. She is also proud to be Puerto Rican and to be a single mother of two teenaged boys.

She said that being an exhibitor this weekend makes her feel as though she is representing these communities.

The Philly Home and Garden Show Manager Jenna is excited that the show returns this year.

“We couldn’t have it last year because of the pandemic,” said Naffin. “The show is now in its sixth year.”

Naffin elaborated that the show adds new features every year along with different themes.

Because the pandemic impacted the world, the show’s organizers are thinking about how peoples’ lives changed.

“One of our features this year is reimaging your workspace at home,” said Naffin.

She said that a lot of people are looking at what they can do outdoors and be safe.

Hand sanitizers and masks will be available throughout the weekend.

“We follow what the local health authorities are saying,” said Naffin. “Wearing masks are strongly recommended.”

Celebrities attending this year:

Jeff Devlin from Stone House Revival will be there this Friday at 5 p.m. and Sunday, at 12 p.m. The Host of Professional Grade, Yard Crashers, and Vacation House for Free, Matt Blashaw will be there Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 11 a.m. In addition, Mina Starsiak Hawk from the HGTV series Good Bones will make an appearance on Saturday, at 1 p.m. She will be sharing some of her best home improvement and renovation tips with attendees.

For further information, go to www.phillyhomeandgarden.com

To learn more about Philly Pop Up Picnics, log onto www.phillypopuppicnics.com