The Olympics.
Disneyland.
A dream world.
Well, that sounds impressive.
That is how the Building Industry Association (BIA) of Clark County is describing the annual GRO Parade of Homes, which opens to the public Friday, Sept. 11.
The premier home design showcase celebrates craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation. Now in its 49th year, this year’s parade has eight homes.
“It’s pretty exciting. I always say that it is sort of like the Olympics of building,” said Noelle Lovern, BIA’s executive officer. “Not often you get eight somewhat competing builders on the same street, putting their best projects forward. And they’re trying to get it all done on the same timeline. It’s kind of a sport.”
The BIA is thrilled at the expansion of the parade in recent years. Two years ago, only three homes were featured in the parade. Last year, the parade had five homes.
“Being back to eight is a pretty big feat,” Lovern said.
That means more innovations to see for the public.
Tickets are $20 for adults, with $1 from every ticket going toward the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Children ages 3-12 are $5, and 100 percent of those proceeds go to the hospital. Children under 3 are free. There is also an adult season pass for $50 for folks who want to return, to get another look at the homes, during the parade, which runs from Sept. 11 through 27. (There is a VIP opening night on Thursday, Sept. 10.) The parade is open Wednesdays through Sundays during its run.
Lovern notes that the parade is so much more than just for people in position to buy a luxury home.
“The show is really about giving people the opportunity to dream and to have a vision to what they might want to do in their home,” Lovern said.
Maybe one cannot buy a home like this but might love a detail in the kitchen of one of the homes, or perhaps be inspired by the beautiful outdoor living display.
“People can go right from the (parade) home, go down the street to one of the vendors, and ask, ‘How can I get more information?’” Lovern said.
“Maybe there is a lighting fixture or a design in the bathroom, or landscape ideas that just strike you,” she added. “We invite people to take pictures. Collect business cards of the builders. There is something for everybody.
“This is the Disneyland of home shows.”
This year’s GRO Parade of Homes is in the Emerald Grove community of Salmon Creek. The address is: 15810 NW 11th Ave, Vancouver.
Set on 16,000 square-foot lots, the single-site experience invites visitors to explore architecture, design, smart home ecosystems, and more. Also, the eight homes are one one street, with no hills, making for an easy walk.
For tickets, go to: https://groparadeofhomes.com/web/tickets/buy/?code=biaccgro#/
The GRO Parade of Homes website can be found at: https://groparadeofhomes.com/web/
