Three-Day Shopping, Food, and Entertainment Event to Host More Celebrities Than Ever Before, with Additional Appearances to Be Announced

The Southern Women’s Show announces its first set of celebrities with Monte Durham and Jenna Cooper each taking the stage at the April 12-14 event held at the NC State Fairgrounds. The three-day event provides fans a chance to hear about Durham’s latest philanthropic and business endeavors and Cooper’s new entrepreneurial ventures first-hand, as well as ask questions and take pictures with the stars. Show attendees can also get a head start on their spring wardrobe, learn new recipes, receive a complimentary makeover, sample local gourmet foods and more from tons of national and local brands onsite.

Monte Durham earned his fame as the tall, silver-haired Southern gentleman on TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta, which features the Bridals by Lori store where he’s fashion director. In addition to dressing brides, he also serves as the official emcee of TLC’s Say Yes to the Prom, an annual event that rewards high-achieving high school girls with prom makeovers and donated dresses. Durham is also a dedicated public servant personally, devoting much of his time volunteering with Welsh Terrier Cares, America’s nonprofit Welsh Terrier Rescue Service. He will be on stage Friday, April 12 at 1 p.m., presented by Academy Sports and Outdoors, to talk about his volunteering efforts and work building the M.O.N.T.E. hair care brand, followed by an audience Q&A and photo opportunities. Durham’s biggest fans can also purchase a VIP experience prior to his stage performance for $35, which includes a private meet-and-greet with Monte, signed headshot, reserved seating during his stage performance, a Southern Women’s Show bag and full-day pass to all the Show has to offer.

Jenna Cooper is a Raleigh local, who left her social media manager job to appear on the hit reality show, The Bachelor, during season 22 with racecar driver Arie Luyendyk. She also appeared on the spin-off show Bachelor in Paradise during the fall of 2018. Cooper is now back in Raleigh and busy with her own Glo Body spray tanning business. Show attendees have several chances to see Cooper throughout the weekend, including as emcee during Firefighter Fashion Shows, as a contestant in the 13th annual “Dancing Like the Stars” competition and during a dedicated on-stage Q&A session Saturday, April 13.

“Monte and Jenna each have unique stories on their paths to fame and we’re thrilled to have them as part of our biggest Show yet,” said Casey Harper, Southern Women’s Show manager. “We’ll be announcing two more celebrity guests in the coming weeks, and the diversity of our celebrities this year is sure to excite and inspire guests of all ages and interests!”

Fan favorites like the Firefighter Fashion Shows benefitting the Burned Children Fund of Wake County and Fido Fashion Show with adoptable pets from the Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue are returning.

The Southern Women’s Show runs Friday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 14 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for a reduced rate of $10 prior to the Show and can be purchased online. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $12. Tickets for children ages six through 12 are always $6 and children under the age of six can attend free of charge with a paying adult. Bulk ticket purchases and three-day passes can also be purchased at discounted rates online. Parking at the NC State Fairgrounds is free, and the main parking lot is located on Trinity Road. For more information, visit www.SouthernWomensShow.com.