THE RETURN OF THE CAPITAL REGION PARADE OF HOMES

FEATURE

THE RETURN OF THE CAPITAL REGION PARADE OF HOMES

BY: KRISTEN EGELSTON

Before the pandemic, a staple on CRBRA’s calendar of events was the Capital Region Parade of Homes. For 19 years, the highly-anticipated public event drew thousands of consumers to tour new construction homes, showcasing the work of the area’s top builders. From models and spec homes to custom, private residences, the Parade of Homes served as the area’s premier self-guided new home construction tour. It also enabled CRBRA to make a sizable donation to a local charity each year.

When COVID-19 forced CRBRA to cancel the event in 2020 and 2021, it left a hole in the association’s offering to builder members and the public. Fortunately, CRBRA quickly pivoted creating the Capital Region Homes on Demand TV program to fill the void – temporarily; with the vision of having both the Parade of Homes and Homes on Demand in future years.

In a typical year, the Parade of Homes Committee would start recruiting builders in the October prior to the June event. Among the Board of Directors, staff and builder members, there was ongoing discussion throughout the two-year hiatus about when it would be safe and practical to resume.

Erik Kohler, founder of Erik Kohler Homes, was a strong proponent for bringing the Parade of Homes back for 2022, saying

“I had a great experience participating in the Parade for the first time in 2019 and wanted to have that opportunity again with my new community in North Greenbush.” He continued, “When I decided to sell the model, I went so far as to push the closing date to mid-June so that this home that we had worked so hard on could be in the Parade.”

With the ongoing pandemic, supply chain issues and a hot real estate market, longtime Parade of Homes Chairperson Jim Carpenter knew this was anything but a typical year. “We didn’t know if we would even attempt to pull this off until January 2022 – at that point we concluded there were a solid number of interested builders and homes so we committed to moving forward with the Parade no matter what,” said Carpenter.

Parade of Homes map

Once the builders were confirmed, the committee and staff moved on to securing sponsors. Thanks to the generosity and tremendous support from CRBRA member companies, the Parade shattered the previous sponsorship fundraising record set in 2019 pulling in 44 sponsors. “It really is remarkable how many of our members stepped up to support the event and were excited to see it coming back,” said 2022 President Andrew Gutman. “I think people viewed it as a much-needed return to some sense of normalcy after an unpredictable two years.”

Parade of Homes Committee members at Awards Night

Courtesy of Olivia Nadal Photography

With the decision made to move forward, the Capital Region Parade of Homes was scheduled for the first two weekends in June, 4-5 and 11-12. Working on a condensed planning schedule, the committee quickly confirmed eight builders and nine homes ranging from Bethlehem to Saratoga Springs.

“When we plotted the home locations, we realized it created the ability to showcase what our members were doing in the entire region,” said Carpenter.

Lindsey Belmonte shared that although Belmonte Builders wouldn’t have a home ready and available to enter, the company recognized the importance of the Parade’s return and signed on as a Gold Sponsor. “Usually our company is among the first to register a home in the Parade so when we knew that wasn’t going to be possible, we looked to the sponsorship opportunities to offer our support of the Parade, our fellow builders and the association,” said Belmonte.

The return of the Parade also provided the perfect opportunity to refresh the brand introducing a new logo as well as a new visual-forward website and consumer-friendly app. With the app, consumers could buy and show their e-ticket, access home details and descriptions, plan their trip with easy turn-by-turn directions and filter homes by search criteria. It also provided quick access to the Parade’s consumer interaction tools including voting for People’s Choice and the Scavenger Hunt.

With the volunteers from the Center for Disability Services (CFDS), the Parade’s charitable partner, welcoming visitors at the doors, the Parade commenced with a buzz of excitement among the builders, volunteers and consumers. Ticket sales were strong and attendees were out and about to explore and admire the new floorplans, construction methods and design finishes. Many builders shared that they recognized Parade-goers from previous years who were so happy to be touring homes again.

A birdseye view of the Awards Celebration at The Hangar at 743 in Albany

Courtesy of Olivia Nadel Photography

In addition to the seven veteran Parade participants was first-time participant Hoogkamp Home Builders. Owner Pat Hoogkamp said, “We’re a smaller company and don’t generally do much marketing. We had no idea what to expect, but figured what do we have to lose?” Entering a custom, owner-occupied home, Hoogkamp found himself happy he did.

“I had conversations with several visitors that I feel will turn into future customers, people I never would have met had I not entered our home in the Parade.”

Other builders echoed Hoogkamp’s sentiments ending the two weekends with promising leads.

Pat Hoogkamp, Hoogkamp Home Builders

Courtesy of Olivia Nadal Photography

Prior to the Parade, the homes were categorized by pricepoint and judged by local industry experts for their architecture, craftsmanship, kitchen design and more. Following tradition, the week following the last Parade weekend culminated in the Parade Awards Celebration. Nearly 150 members and guests gathered at The Hangar at 743 in Albany to celebrate the success of the event, the generosity of the many sponsors, and of course, the winning homes.

The venue was incredible and set the scene for a memorable night with returning emcee Jim Carpenter. During his remarks, Carpenter recognized that more important than tickets sold or any award won, is that the Parade of Homes was able to raise $15,000 to donate to the Center for Disability Services’ MOVE equipment program. MOVE equipment helps children who struggle with mobility to participate in home, school, work and community environments more fully. CFDS representative Anne Costigan shared the following message: “

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all involved with the Parade for your belief in The Center’s mission, the individuals we support and their families. Congratulations to all the award winners, but know that everyone involved with the Parade is a winner, especially the Center and we are forever grateful!”

Kassidy from CFDS’ Langan Schooldemonstrates using MOVE equipment

Courtesy of the Center for Disability Services

Congratulations to all the builders on completing and showing off your homes during what can only be called an atypical year. Thank you to our committee of volunteers for your hard work and commitment to making the Parade of Homes a success. Last, but not least, endless thanks to our sponsors for your unwavering support.

So, who’s in for next year?