A home and design expo is returning to McLean County after several years going without.
Habitat for Humanity of McLean County is set to launch its inaugural Blo-No Home Show this weekend, showcasing more than 60 exhibitors from across the housing, design and lifestyle industries.
Booth fees and concession sales benefit the area’s Habitat for Humanity chapter, which finished construction on its 200th home last year. Director of Resource Development Erin Jennings said the nonprofit hopes to build four homes in 2026, with proceeds from the Blo-No Home Show feeding into other grants, monetary gifts, in-kind donations and pro-bono services.
“As you can imagine, building four houses is not cheap,” Jennings said.
And costs have escalated as building materials have become more expensive.
Jennings said Habitat hasn’t hosted a major fundraising event for a while; the idea for a home show came from Moxii Marketing owner Kate Bercham, who noted the absence of a home and design expo since the Bloomington-Normal Area Home Builders Association closed its doors in 2023.
“I called a couple people who run home shows around us, trying to make sure I scheduled around when they’re doing theirs—and we just went for it,” said Jennings. “It really connects with Habitat, so it’s a great way to bring Habitat and the community together. We’re really excited about it.”
The Saturday and Sunday event at the Interstate Center is free and open to the public. Jennings said the show is a chance for community members to connect with local businesses and services—many of which are offered at a discount by signing up on site.
“We’re going to have someone in pretty much every category of construction there,” she said. “If you want to replace your windows, or if you need a new roof, or if you need a new HVAC system… everything that goes with home and lifestyle will be there.”
Jennings said those face-to-face interactions benefit customers and vendors, both.
“They can make those warm contacts so they’re not just out there handing out flyers,” she said. “They’re talking to people who really want to do something with their home. And the homeowners are able to actually meet that person and have a conversation with them before they have to call someone out of the phone book.”
Jennings said the Blo-No Home Show is big, but manageable for patrons.
“It’s doable to get to everybody,” she said. “There’ll be concessions if you get hungry. They’ve got candy and chips, but also sandwiches and nachos. Lowes is also hosting a kids’ clinic, so if you bring your kids they’ll have something to do.”
Additionally, the Town of Normal will be on-site to talk about permitting. Bloomington Fire Department has its new fire safety house on display. And if home improvement sounds too stressful, Chiro One Wellness Centers, Illinois Art Station, Reliable Pools and Tickled to Travel will be there, too.
Habitat families will also on hand to talk about their experience with the nonprofit.
“Hearing our partner family stories is just—cool,” she said. “It’s a cool thing to hear the changes they’re able to make in their lives because they’re in these new homes. The consistency helps their kids. Being in a home that’s yours makes things so much easier. The progress they’re seeing in their children is amazing.”
