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“Five of the 10 homes have already been sold, and the rest are usually spoken for by the end of the show,” she said. Thompson also mentioned that some builders opt to hold off on selling, to give a prospective owner the opportunity to change things around. “The economy today is weird, what with gas prices, and the election,” she noted, adding that the home building industry is pressing for legislation to eliminate predatory lending.
Participating custom home builders include: JMG Custom Homes (building two homes), Harrington Homes, Mark Antony Custom Homes, Signature Crest Builders, Sciuga Custom Builders, Summerset Homes, Miller Homes, Loscombe Custom Homes and Heritage Homes.
This year’s Parade of Homes has on-site parking and easy access from Interstates 81 and 481 via Route 31. Follow the signs to the Parade parking lot and walk a short distance to the sponsor tent and box office where patrons can purchase a ticket and pick up a goody bag, program guide and “booties” (to cover your shoes). Every Parade house has a sign that will direct patrons to the entrance of the home, where they will be welcomed by a greeter from Zonta, a women’s business group, who will fill you in on the house’s basics.
Suburban legend: This year’s Parade of Homes takes place in fast-growing Clay. MICHAEL DAVIS PHOTO
Builders, Realtors or product reps will be on hand to offer information. Much of the furniture, accessories and window treatments are also for sale.
Suggestions for a happy experience include wearing easy and comfortable shoes; high heels may not only be hard on the feet, but may damage landscaping as well. Cameras are allowed, and a notepad will help to jot down information as you go along. Catering by Carnegie will be offering food for purchase in a concession tent, so no need to bring your lunch. Rest rooms are also on-site at the entrance and midway through the development.
Patrons are encouraged to take a short, computerized survey after touring every home to vote for the People’s Choice. Everyone taking the survey is registered to win a 32-inch Panasonic TV.
Special events have been programmed during the event, including on Thursday, Sept. 18, when WZUN-FM 102.1 (Sunny 102) and the Junior League of Syracuse present an evening of music, wine and cheese tastings, and preview shopping from vendors at the league’s Holiday Shoppes.
Tickets to the Parade of Homes cost $8. The event is open Wednesday, Sept. 17, to Saturday, Sept. 20, from 1 to 8 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 21, 1 to 6 p.m. For more information, call 463-6261 or visit www.hbrcny.com.
—Lorraine Smorol
