This weekend, Riverside Arena will be transformed into a world of race car simulation, pirates and a home and garden lover’s paradise.

The 35th annual Austin Home and Vacation Show plants itself in Austin today through Sunday and is hosted by Power 96 and KQAQ radio stations.

Admission is free.

“We couldn’t be more excited,” said Anna Rahn, general manager of Power 96 in Albert Lea and KQAQ in Austin and the show’s coordinator. “With the economy, we didn’t have any struggles filling the show. The exhibitors are excited to go back to the basics, shake hands and talk about their products.”

In addition to countless booths filled with home, lawn, garden, and travel and vacation ideas, attractions this year include Captain Jack Sparrow’s moving pirate ship, complete with photo sessions for the kids, and the Koster race car simulator for $2 a try, with proceeds going to the American Cancer Association.

“It moves so it feels like a real race car,” Rahn said.

The Jaycees trout tank will be returning this year, a long-time favorite where kids will be able to reel in some fishing action.

The trout are stocked from Valley Springs Elk and Trout Farm in Bay City, Wis., and project chair Scott Smith estimates the tank will have about 150 fish in it.

“It’s more satisfaction seeing the kids’ faces than anything else,” Smith said.

The fishing is open to all ages at $4 per 15 minutes, poles and flies will be supplied, and participants can keep anything they catch.

“They can keep whatever they catch or they can release it,” Smith said.

Home show visitors can also register to win a number of grand prizes, including a Kenmore freezer and a Big Green Egg Grill valued at $800.

In addition, the Linder Farm Network will also be on site with officials speaking and answering questions about agriculture-related topics and Home Depot, will be offering do-it-yourself seminars all weekend.

Seminars include “Home painting and decor ABC’s” at 6:30 p.m. Friday; “Building the Ultimate Workshop” at 2:30 p.m. Saturday; and “Developing an energy plan for your home,” at 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

Rahn said she expects more than 140 booths this weekend.

“I think this will be the place to be,” she said.