By Lethbridge Herald on February 13, 2026.
Herald photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Vice president of Meibel Consulting, Marc Belisle and BILD Lethbridge Region executive officer, Bridget Mearns announced the Southern Alberta Home, Garden & Leisure Show will take place March 12 to 14 this year Thursday at BILD Lethbridge.By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Herald
The Building Industry & Land Development Association (BILD) and Meibel Consulting announced Thursday the 2026 Southern Alberta Home, Garden & Leisure Show will take place from March 12 to 14 at the Lethbridge Trade and Convention Centre.
Executive Officer of BILD Lethbridge Region Bridget Mearns said the Southern Alberta Home, Garden & Leisure Show is when she knows spring is close and the community comes alive.
“It’s where people come to get inspired, connect, and meet the local businesses that can turn ideas into real projects. From home renovations and garden plans to leisure and lifestyle upgrades,” said Mearns.
At the same time, said Mearns, it creates powerful opportunities for exhibitors to build relationships and grow their businesses as they head into the busy spring and summer season.
“That combination of community connection and economic opportunity is what makes the Southern Alberta Home, Garden & Leisure Show such a must-attend event,” said Mearns.
Vice President Meibel Consulting Marc Belisle shared some of the highlights of the event.
“The show is once again partnering with Halo to host the popular Halo 50/50 Draw, giving attendees the chance to win big while supporting a meaningful cause,” said Belisle.
He said last year’s event raised almost $30,000 over the weekend and they expect even stronger engagement in 2026 as attendance continues to grow.
Belisle said they have two special guests this year, cooking expert Roni Zaide from Roni’s Kitchen and gardening expert Lyndon Penner.
“Roni’s Kitchen brings a creative and holistic approach to plant- based living. Known for her engaging workshops and delicious vegan creations, Roni inspires audiences with her passion for sustainable, nourishing food,” said Belisle.
He said at this year’s HG&L Show, she will be highlighting her brand-new book “Food Therapy,” sharing insights on how food can be both healing and empowering.
“Join her for cooking demonstrations every day on the Carefree Kitchens & Lighting’s Demo Kitchen,” said Belisle.
When talking about Lyndon Penner, Belisle said he brings a thoughtful and inspiring voice to this year’s HG&L Show.
“As a passionate author and advocate, he shares stories and insights that connect deeply with audiences seeking inspiration and personal growth,” said Belisle.
He said Penner will be hosting daily panels, including Thistles for Gardeners, Ornamental Onions, and Asters and Goldenrods, offering attendees a rich exploration of plants and their role in the garden.
“He is also offering interactive planting workshops all weekend long at the HG&L Show Workshop Station,” said Belisle.
He added that Penner is the Head Gardener at Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba and well versed in Prairie gardening.
“His books include Native Plants for the Short Season Yard, The Way of the Gardner, Garden Design for the Short Season Yard, The Chinook Short Season Yard, The Prairie Short Season Yard,” said Belisle.
Mearns announced the return of the “Who BILDs it Best – Live building competition,” for their fourth year and she is hoping to have some students from Medicine Hat join the competition this year.
“This event is an exciting live action building competition where high school students, in teams of two, test their carpentry skills against the clock,” said Mearns. “Each team will have 75 minutes to plan and execute the design using only the tools and instructions provided to them.”
She said their projects will then be judged by a variety of members from the community and industry.
Mearns said the high school students are representing High Schools from around Southern Alberta and this event is made possible with partnerships between BILD Lethbridge, CAREERS and the Southern Alberta Collegiate Institute.
When sharing what is new this year, Mearns said they have an exciting opportunity for people to try and walk away with a brand-new house.
“One of the most anticipated features of HG&L 2026 is the Crack the Code: Claim the
Keys promotion,” said Mearns.
She explained that thanks to a partnership with Stranville Living Master Builder, attendees will have the chance to crack a multi-digit code for an opportunity to win a brand-new home valued at $589,900.
“The interactive challenge adds excitement to the show floor and gives visitors a once- in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk away with an extraordinary prize,” said Mearns.
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