Steals+Deals: Bargains on trees

Tree bargain Through the City Trees Program, Minneapolis homeowners can order a tree for $25 starting Monday while supplies last. Each tree is potted and about 6 feet tall, with a 1¼-inch trunk. Some nurseries charge more than $100 for similar-sized trees. About 1,500 trees will be offered (one per residence, business or nonprofit), including Whitespire Birch (clump form), Black Hills Spruce, Princeton Elm, Honeycrisp Apple, Bur Oak, Fall Fiesta Maple and Ironwood. Trees may be picked up May 12-14 at the Minneapolis Impound Lot (51 Colfax Av. N., Mpls.). To order, go to www.treetrust.org or call 651-644-5800. For more information, go to www.minneapolismn.gov/citytrees.

Free or discounted admission to auto show There are several ways to get discounted tickets to the Twin Cities Auto Show Saturday through March 18 at the Minneapolis Convention Center (1301 2nd Av. S., Mpls). Save $2 off the $10 tickets if you order online at www.twincitiesautoshow.com or print a $2-off coupon to use at the show, valid weekdays only. Or get $2 off if you bring a can of nonperishable food for charity. Discounts cannot be combined. Adult tickets are $5 on March 14 (no additional discounts with the $5 offer). Anyone buying tickets to the Blood, Sweat & Tears concert at the Convention Center on March 17 will get a free admission for the auto show on March 17 or 18. Tickets for the concert can be purchased for $35 to $55 at the auto show website.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays (March 10-11, 17-18), drive up on the Grant Street side of the Convention Center for a free booster-seat check sponsored by State Farm. A seat check qualifies the recipient for a free ticket to the auto show.

River of Goods returns until July The supply of discounted home goods is flowing again at River of Goods (2475 Doswell Av., St. Paul, 651-646-8119, www.ancientcityimports.com). The wholesaler was closed to the public in 2008, but because of a warehouse move, the retail space is back until July with a blend of unique Tiffany-style lamps, wool rugs, sofa sets and Indian-style furniture. The selection hasn't changed since 2008. The handmade wool rugs of average quality appear to be a good deal (5- by 8-foot rugs are $150 and 8- by 10-foot rugs are $300). The furniture pieces are difficult to comparison-shop, but some of the accent pieces are carried by local gift shops such as Bibelot and Patina. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays.