Millions of people have toured thousands of homes throughout the years, and many keep coming back, again and again. As we close out our 75^th anniversary celebrations, we’ve asked our builders and some of the tourgoers what it is about the Parade that draws them back each year.

A Community with Open Arms

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.

Fuel for the Imagination                            

“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.

Opportunities for Networking

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.

Modern Trend and Design Updates

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.

Memories and Moments

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.