SOUTHERN UTAH – The excitement is building as the Southern Utah Home Builders Association gets ready to unveil the latest and greatest in residential construction, opening 28 new homes to the public during the 2014 St. George Area Parade of Homes Feb. 14-23.
The 24th annual parade will see many new things this year, including a leader who oversees many aspects of the show. In 2000, Mari Smith took a temporary receptionist position at SUHBA to help fill in, and today, she is the organization’s executive officer.
Growth and development are recurring themes for this event. In the parade’s first year, 5,000 people toured through 15 homes. Last year, the parade featured 28 homes, with more than 28,000 people in attendance.
“There are Parade of Homes (events) all throughout the country, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for members of the Southern Utah Home Builders Association to build and incorporate the latest in building technologies and home design,” Smith said. “We have so many talented craftsmen here in our area and it’s wonderful to see results of their creativity and hard work in the Parade of Homes.”
Whether you are a first-time buyer, thinking of building a new home, looking for ideas to remodel your current home or just interested in seeing the latest in home design trends and amenities, the parade provides the perfect opportunity to see a variety of homes and communities, and meet and talk with builders and designers.
Some of the featured homes have been pre-sold, while others are spec homes on the market. If the home you like is sold, you need not worry, as all builders can build your own personal “parade home” if you like; they can copy the same style, and then make it unique and possibly more affordable, if you’re under budget constraints.
Nestled in the beautiful, natural setting of Southern Utah, with homes in St. George, Washington, Hurricane, Santa Clara and Ivins, the parade offers highlights of some of the latest advances in design, construction and home technology.
“Our area is just so unique with the different landscapes, which is one of the reasons why we attract visitors from all over the country,” Smith said. “We have the home in Hurricane that has the unique view and then we have the home out in the Ledges and then Entrada, so attendees are going to see spectacular landscapes and beautiful views.”
Visitors can also count on seeing the latest trends in the home industry on display during this year’s Parade of Homes.
“I’ve noticed in previewing the homes there’s new and innovative-designs,” Smith said. “One home has a splash pad for kids, a fire and water feature, a sauna room, a golf simulator room, a pool and spa, and high tech home automation.”
New mobile app
Another new and exciting feature visitors will have the opportunity to experience and enjoy this year is the launch of the Parade of Homes mobile app. This free smartphone tool provides access to information on all 28 homes on display in this year’s show, including driving directions to the homes and an interactive section where participants can highlight and take notes and pictures of their favorite homes and features.
“I know a lot of people like to come to the parade and get new decorating ideas, trends or paint colors and now, they can actually take a picture and assign it to that particular parade home and then take notes like what type of paint was used or who the interior designer was for that home, and so it’s kind of like their own personal parade log book,” Smith said.
All for a good cause
The parade also makes a difference in the community, with a portion of every ticket donated to the Southern Utah Home Builders Care, which is involved in many local charity initiatives. These funds have been used in building the “My Home is My Castle” exhibit at the St. George Children’s Museum, a new home for “Sweet Lindsey,” a disabled art student attending Dixie State University, building the Doctors’ Volunteer Clinic and its expansion, Habitat for Humanity Homes, education scholarships, fundraising events and more.
Flat screen TV giveaway
Those who have toured the parade in the past likely recall finishing with a long wish list, and chances are there was at least one electronic device among the coveted items. This year, ticket holders will have the opportunity to enter to win a 60-inch Samsung Plasma 1080p HDTV flat screen television provided by Boulevard Home Furnishings, or a two night stay at the Best Western Abbey Inn.
Participants must simply visit the parade homes and deliver their ticket to Boulevard Home Furnishings, located at 390 N. Mall Drive in St. George when they are done. The drawing will be held Feb. 26 at 4 p.m. at Boulevard Home Furnishings.
A D V E R T O R I A L
Resources
- St. George Area Parade of Homes: Website | Facebook
- Parade of Homes schedule: Feb. 14-23 | Open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closes at 5 p.m. on Feb. 23
- Ticket information: $15 per person; children under age 3 enter for free. Tickets can be purchased online now, or at the Red Cliffs Mall and Lin’s Fresh Market beginning Feb. 13 at 5 p.m.
- Southern Utah Home Builders Association – Address: 2303 N. Coral Canyon Blvd., Suite 200, Washington City | Phone: 435-674-1400 | Email: [email protected]
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