
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 14, 1990                   TAG: 9004250252
SECTION: AMERICAN WOMEN'S SHOW                    PAGE: AW2   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

WOMEN'S SHOW: EVERYTHING FOR WOMEN AND LOTS FOR MEN, TOO

It may be called the American Women's Show, but its parameters have greatly expanded during the last three years. Yes, the American Women's Show is mainly marketing women. Yes, under one great big Roanoke Civic Center roof are enough exhibitors to cover interests from gourmet food to health.

"A women's show? That's rather a broad term," said one skeptic. "That's like saying a show for all Europeans, or all children." But the diversity of products and services on display March 16, 17 and 18 may just convert those who question the concept.

From the Food and Libations Association corner, a sampling of products made in Virginia - delicacies such as homemade vegetable pasta, Brunswick stew, almond pound cakes, herbs and herb products, seafood condiments and Eastern Shore sweet potatoes.

This year, crafts has a separate concourse, which surrounds the main exhibit hall. This arrangement gives a plethora of cottage industries the chance to display wares ranging from baskets and ceramics to sweat suits and antique dolls.

Or take the health pavilion, sponsored by Lewis-Gale Hospital and the Lewis-Gale Clinic. Not only are women's concerns highlighted in 16 separate booths, but children will be able to see a picture of their heart, walk on crutches and change a doll's diapers.

Fashion shows, running from Friday at 1 p.m. to Sunday at 5 p.m., will include resort wear, swim wear, evening clothes, and accessories from area boutiques, national chains, and bridal shops. And when the razzle and dazzle of the runway sets your head spinning, just wander over to the Celebrity Kitchen for a cooking demonstration by one of Roanoke's chef's.

American Women's Show promoter Danny Taylor just wanted to have a place for women to go, said Shirley Niday, show coordinator. "He saw a similar show in Nashville, Tenn. - the Southern Women's Show," said Niday, and took off from that idea.

Attendees in 1989, the Women's Show's second year, numbered close to 18,000, with 200 exhibitors displaying their wares. This year, Taylor is expecting closer to 300 exhibitors, and "we're going to be expecting more men this year," said Niday. "They're finding out that it's not just for women. You'd be surprised at the men who enjoy the fashion show, the aerobics on stage, and the bridal show. There's things for children - they always have balloons. And Proctor and Gamble is providing a diaper changing room with free diapers."

"It is everything of interest to women," said Niday. "Fashion, travel, things for the home, new techniques for the hospital, and it's all under one roof."

Just women? That would be limiting men's horizons.

by CNB