45 YEARS PARADE OF HOMES ❖ EVOLUTION
Evolution
evolved to the point that this is how we are, this is how we build, and we always strive to do better.” The Parade of Homes magazine has also evolved and stood the test of time, Balaz says, with the print edition still in circulation and the addition of a digital magazine. “The magazine was such an important aspect of the Parade of Homes because that was the only way people could get the information. And even with the technology evolving and everything going online, people still want to have that hard copy in their hand. People look forward to getting it through the Free Press .” Jaquet says. When COVID-19 hit, Jaquet says it really showed how strong the Parade of Homes is. The Parade of Homes committee
worked diligently within the restrictions — letting only a few people in the show homes at a time, practising social distancing and thoroughly disinfecting the homes between visitors — to ensure the Parade remained open. “Everything was shutting down. People didn’t know what to do, but the committee still sat down — I was the chair of the Parade of Homes at the time — and we said, ‘We need to do this; we need to be open,’ amongst all the craziness and uncertainty,” Jaquet says. “I never thought we’d have to go through something like that. And I can say all the builders, all the developers rocked it during the pandemic. We all worked really hard together. We followed the rules. We did everything we needed to do.”
After about 15 years, the popu- larity of the Parade of Homes had grown enough to warrant the addition of a Parade in the spring, Balaz says. “The highlight has been seeing this grow over the years, seeing the importance put upon it by the builders to put their best foot forward,” Balaz says. There was also a judging component in past years, where builders would compete for awards in different categories. “In the early years, it was probably important because it really drove the competitive spirit of builders to outdo each other,” Balaz says. “Not to say that’s changed — builders still want to be at the forefront and be the best and win customers over — but it’s not about the awards anymore. We’ve
These used to be big gatherings where not just build- ers but suppliers, media and local politicians would come out and be a part of launching the fall Parade." “
– TONY BALAZ, CHAIR , 2025 PARADE OF HOMES COMMITTEE
PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY
16 PARADE of HOMES FALL 2025
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