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For 75 years, the Parade of Homes has been a community-driven event centered on showcasing modern housing trends and providing housing opportunities for Twin Cities homeowners.
Millions of people have toured thousands of homes throughout the years, and many keep coming back, again and again. As we close out our 75th anniversary celebrations, we’ve asked our builders and some of the tourgoers what it is about the Parade that draws them back each year.
The Parade of Homes is all about the people. Whether you’ve never toured the Parade before or you’re a long-time builder, there’s a place for you here. Chad Hanson of Sustainable 9 Design Build remarks that “participating in the tour holds a special place in our hearts, evoking memories of our childhood as we toured the homes on the Parade of Homes.” As beautiful as the houses are, it is the kind-hearted, loving community that leaves these memories imprinted on the hearts of every tourgoer.
“After all these years, we’ve learned that customers come expecting to see some new ideas. They can come in and see it, touch it, look at it, talk about how we assemble the homes,” comments Len Pratt of Pratt Homes. Whether you’re looking for a new home or just interested in updating the one you have, the Parade of Homes will offer and inspire ideas for all types of homes.
The Parade of Homes connects builders and homebuyers. If a tourgoer is interested in renovating or building a new construction home, the homes on the Parade showcase different builders and remodelers of all styles. By connecting with the right builder, they can craft their dream home—the true goal of the Parade of Homes.
Not only does the Parade offer opportunities for tourgoers, it allows builders to establish themselves and their company. “Beyond the personal significance, these tours serve as a remarkable platform for builders to establish their presence, exhibit their craftsmanship, and generate valuable leads — not to mention the ability to elevate one’s brand awareness and forge new connections that can propel their business forward,” says Ryan Hanson of Sustainable 9 Design Build. Each builder and remodeler brings their unique eye to the housing community. The Parade of Homes showcases these builders’ work and cements them as a cornerstone of the community.
When trends come and go each year, it can be difficult to stay up to date. The Parade of Homes provides a bi-annual opportunity to check out brand new homes and see the new trends in décor and design. Checking out these trends will give you ideas on new construction and design. Sometimes, all it takes to turn your old house into a brand new one is to repurpose the items you already have, giving it a modern feel.
The Parade of Homes is a time for family and friends to create memories together. It’s an event people return to, year after year, friends taking photos in front of mirrors, couples walking arm in arm through gorgeous rooms, dreaming of, one day, showcasing their own home on the Parade. David Williams from Mark D. Williams Custom Homes shares how he remembers how when he staged a home, he would always place toys in the kids’ rooms. When families came to see the home, kids “would coming running down the stairs, and they’d say, ‘Mom, my bedroom’s up there!'” These are moments those children will remember, of happy times, filled with laughter, love, and decades of the Parade of Homes.
Every time you purchase a ticket to tour a Dream Home on the Parade of Homes, you’re helping fund the work of the Housing First Minnesota Foundation. This fall, five Dream Homes were hand-selected for their design, craftsmanship, and inspirational interiors.
These Dream Homes do more than showcase what’s possible in home design — they help make housing possible for our neighbors who need it most. Your $7 admission supports the Foundation’s work toward building safe housing for Minnesotans in need. Each visitor through the door helps a fellow Minnesotan finally have a place to call home.
