By MATT LINDSEY

POTSDAM -- The St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce will host its annual spring Home, Garden and Business Show, formerly known as The Really Big Show, April 27 through 29 at Clarkson University's Cheel Arena.

“We put on the show to increase awareness for local businesses and make available their products and services to increase local spending,” said St. Lawrence County Chamber Executive Director Brooke E. Rouse.

Each year the event typically draws around 1,000 visitors.

Thursday will include sustainable construction educational training sessions and a business “Buy Local Matchmaker” event will take place Friday morning before the Expo opens to the public.

The new evening portion for sustainable construction educational training sessions is planned for Thursday night from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Barben Rooms at Cheel.

Presentations will tackle green building and green living. There will be a keynote speaker and informative sessions to educate local contractors and residents.

“Clarkson had planned a similar event, but because of overlap, the two events were combined,” Rouse said.

Partnering with Clarkson University, the US Green Building Council of NY Upstate and the SUNY Canton Small Business Development Center, the Expo on Friday and Saturday, will include ‘do-it-yourself workshops.

Workshops will include "edible landscaping" with Dani Baker on Friday at 1:30 p.m.; "building an ultra light canoe" with Will Sommerfield at 3 p.m. on Friday; "beer brewing 101" with Mike Zagrobelny on Saturday at noon; and "lots o' knots" with Jim Blackmore on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

Over 60 vendors are expected, including crafters, wineries and some foods. Items for sale include chicken, jewelry and baked goods and the popular cheesecake on a stick.

Hours on Friday are noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is $3 and kids under age 12 are admitted for free.