The IndependentThe St. George Parade of Homes celebrates it’s 25th anniversary this year and the theme this year is ‘Frame Your Future.’ Construction crews, interior designers and landscapers are working overtime in southern Utah to put the finishing touches on more than two dozen show-stopping homes for the 25th annual St. George Area Parade of Homes, presented by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association (SUHBA) and Zions Bank.
Taking place Feb. 13 – 22 in Washington County, the self-guided tour will feature 28 brand new homes showcasing the latest in innovative designs, stunning interiors and one-of-a-kind landscaping.
“We’ve come a long way since our first parade in 1991,” said SUHBA Executive Officer Mari Smith. “St. George is now recognized as one of the best-managed and most popular home shows in the entire country.”
Because of the 25th anniversary, organizers anticipate even more visitors than last year’s attendance of nearly 30,000. Smith says the secret to keeping the crowds coming back every year is consistently providing impeccable craftsmanship and surprising creativity in every home.
“What sets us apart from other parades is the level of perfection we require from our builders,” Smith explained. “We have strict standards and several inspections to ensure our visitors leave each house in awe.”
The theme for this year is “Frame Your Future,” which will encourage attendees to meet and talk with builders, decorators and landscapers to gather ideas and industry contacts for improving their current home or for building a new home.
“The word to describe this year’s parade is variety,” said 2015 Parade Chairman Austin Anderson. “From price and square footage to location and design, we’ve got something for everyone.”
The 10-day event not only showcases the latest trends in design and building, Anderson says, but also reflects the health of the improving economy and the appetite for high-end features and environmentally friendly homes. This year, the homes start in the mid-$300s with seven priced at or above $1 million.
In addition to showcasing the best in home building, the parade also shows off the appeal of living in sunny southern Utah. Taking advantage of the desert environment and red rock landscapes, many of the builders maximize living space by incorporating numerous courtyards, outdoor fireplaces and water features into the designs of the homes.
“The St. George Area Parade of Homes shows how our talented builders go beyond the everyday and create homes that are unique and inspiring,” said SUHBA President Jair Almaraz. “We’ve got the best of the best working here, and that is why our parade is so successful.”
In its 25 years of homebuilding, the St. George Area Parade of Homes has constructed more than 570 homes and pumped an estimated 600 million dollars into the local economy through construction jobs and by attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area.
Homes will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day of the parade. As patrons exit each parade home, they can browse various booths displaying the latest in home products and related services. While some of this year’s parade homes are pre-sold, many are still on the market and available for purchase.
Back by popular demand is the official St. George Area Parade of Homes mobile app for Android and Apple devices. The free app allows attendees to preview homes and floor plans, navigate to the parade homes, access an e-ticket, view a list of building professionals, and save notes and photos of favorite homes.
“We have become an annual tradition for many throughout the region,” Almaraz said. “We appreciate our loyal visitors and can’t wait for them to experience our 25th anniversary.”
Tickets are already available online at www.paradehomes.com or beginning Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. at the Red Cliffs Mall center court, Lin’s Market locations and Zions Bank branches in Washington County. A portion of each ticket sale is given back to the community through the Southern Utah Home Builders Care Foundation, which contributes to local charities and education scholarships.
