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Congratulations to our 60th Anniversary Parade of Homes^SM Prince and Princess

Talk about imagination at work!

Last fall, as part of our 60th Anniversary celebration, we decided to bring back one of the traditions from our history — Parade of Homes^SM royalty. We invited youngsters within the Builders Association families to draw a picture of their dream home to compete for the title Parade of Homes^SM Prince and Princess. Other finalists earned the title of Lord or Lady of Homes.

We recruited several local artists to help us choose the most creative drawings, including several graphic designers specializing in the housing industry as well as Jane Elias, owner of Simply Jane art studio for children. They looked for creativity and found plenty of it.

Our two winning drawings were submitted by the equally talented Mason Cameron and Cozzette Bennett. Every one of the drawings we received was exceptional but these two stood out. Mason and Cozette each demonstrated a unique understanding about what a Dream Home should be. They both researched the features and amenities they would want in their own Dream Home before setting pencil to paper. Read more about their drawings (shown here) below.

These charming and joyous interpretations of Dream Homes are excellent lessons for everyone. Let yourself Dream!

Prizes too! Cozette and Mason each won an art basket with a variety of art supplies to keep them drawing. They also received a gift certificate to host a party at Simply Jane Art Studio. Lords and Ladies also received an art set, so look for some fabulous new Dream Homes in future editions of the Parade of HomesSM guidebook.

Princess Cozette Bennett
Granddaughter of Gordon Cremers, founder of the Builders Club

Within moments of finding out about the “Dream Home Drawing Contest” from her grandpa Gordon, Cozette was writing down a list of rooms that would make her dream home complete. She ended up with quite a list. Her Dream Home includes six stories, with entire levels dedicated to sports, a floor for her pets (puppies are her favorite), and a waterslide from her room on the 5th floor around the home down to the very cool moat!

On the day she was crowned, Cozette mostly remembers that her Grandpa Gordon was waiting there for her with open arms, and how excited he was when she won. Her older sister Cerissa, mom, dad and closest girlfriends were also really excited for Cozette. She didn't really think she would win, but was so happy after they put the crown on that it now has a very special spot on her dresser. Her princess sash is hung on her bedroom wall.

Cozzette learned to draw mainly from her mom, who she says is quite a good drawer. She usually draws faces, and even has a ‘how to’ drawing book on the subject. She thinks getting people's expressions onto paper is really cool. Cozzette had fun drawing the house too, because “you get to draw whatever you want, and plan your own house.” She says she would like to draw more homes, to be able to get her ideas down on paper.

Prince Mason Cameron
Son of Danielle Cameron Harms, owner of Diamond?Homes

When Mason heard about the contest he decided to take his bike around the neighborhood, gathering ideas from the homes he saw. He then planned to fit together all his favorite features from the different homes. The idea came straight from his school where they were learning about ‘collaging,’ which brings different aspects of the same idea together. What timing!

Mason's sixth grade art teacher was very impressed with his ingenuity. She has reason to be, this was Mason's first serious attempt at creating a sizable drawing. And here, the perspective, cohesiveness and elements all work really well together.

With multiple gables, brick (or maybe stone) accents, a variety of windows and two sets of pillars, the home has a ton of curb appeal. You can tell he likes basketball and really enjoys his yard from the importance he placed on the landscaping, featuring a pond and bench to relax upon.

Mason said his family was both surprised and proud, even his older brother Riley and little sister Addison were excited! Mason plans on drawing more of whatever comes to him, but would like to draw more houses. He especially likes the “big mansions” when his family goes to tour local Parade of HomesSM houses.

From the moment he walked into the Parade Home^SM that hosted the Coronation he was suspicious of his winning, as there were not many other boys in attendance. After he won, he was a true sport, donning the coronet and sash for the photo op. But quickly (and happily) afterwards, he passed those items to his little sister. He was more enamored with the prizes he received, and has particularly enjoyed the pastels which he used to draw the fall colors.

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