Parade of Homes Show
The Parade of Homes Show combines the enticements of both the magic of television and the thrill of the live Parade of Homes exhibitions. For over seventy years, the Parade of Homes has been America’s No. 1 destination home show. It has thrilled live audiences with incredible homes featuring the latest and greatest in products and technology. The Parade of Homes television program elevates and expands that tradition. The Parade of Homes Show raises the bar for home shows with a unique combination of the best of the best in design, construction and products. The show presents to viewers in their own homes the highest and best creative professional services, workmanship and products available in today’s housing industry. Every week segments demonstrate new technology, new products, and services, wrapped around a dazzling visual tapestry of America’s finest homes.
Awards
The Parade of Homes Show garnered three Telly Awards in its first season for writing, cinematography, and the People’s Choice Award. The writing and cinematography are seminal aspects of the show, and were recognized for their consistent quality and unique approach to the home show genre. Unlike the peer awards, the People’s Choice Award is awarded for overall excellence by the audience of the program and reflects the interest of the very people the show was created for. The popularity of the show and the dedication of its audience carried the Parade of Homes Show to a win, even up against longer-running national programs.
Early Parade of Homes History
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Growing House Demand
During WWII, the nation faced a considerable reduction in home construction due to a lack of workers and materials. With all of the soldiers returning home after the war ended, however, there was a desperate need for housing. A national survey was conducted revealing that an astounding 70% of the United States infrastructure was in need of significant upgrades, including basic housing. The National Home Builders Association begin organizing from the belief that it would take a national organization to tackle the housing challenges of such an unprecedented event.
- 1946
-
Gaining Members
The National Home Builders Association reaches its first milestone garnering 200k members. Again Edward J. Holmes would enter into a spotlight, traveling to Washington, DC in his continuing efforts to overcome the obstacles that still crippled the building industry. Holmes spoke with President Truman on the critical need for building materials to be made available throughout the United States. This action along with others would lead to President Truman’s 100th Radio Broadcast where he would tell the people of the country that the byways of the America, a majority of which were still little more than dirt roads, would be paved, allowing a new supply of building materials to be easily transported to areas across the nation that needed them most.
- 1948
-
The Greatest Homes Seen
Mouths dropped in awe as home show visitors inspected the famous “Hutchinson Model Homes” shown for the first time anywhere in western America. Respected everywhere as one of the greatest display of model homes ever assembled, they were crafted to exact scale from the drawings of the leading architects in America. Participants meandered through the masterfully crafted homes feasting on innovative ideas that opened up their minds and helped fuel their own dreams. In addition to this innovative energy, the titles of “Miss” and “Mrs. Home Show” were created, a contest designed to prepare young women to become distinguished homemakers.
- 1951
- 1942
Creation of “The Homes Show”
With WWII over and raw materials in critically short supply, the returning men and women from overseas were faced with limited housing options. The problem was greatly exacerbated by crippling wartime building restrictions. A man of vision and strong moral conviction, Edward J Holmes, Chairman of the Salt Lake City Home Builders Association, represented Utah at the National Home Builders Association meeting in Chicago, Illinois that year. Holmes recognized problems that stifled future building progress and with stanch resolve, committed himself to solving those problems. As the cornerstone to his efforts, Holmes, conceived an idea of a home show that would change housing in America forever. Together with seven other members of the Salt Lake HBA, the “Parade of Homes” was conceived as an annual event where the American people could tour new homes and experience the American dream as a physical manifestation of what was possible in building.
- 1947
Modern Building Technology
Although still bruised from the tragedy of WWII, the builders of the Utah National Home Show unified their resolve to create a stunning array of homes. The houses featured modern equipment and furnishings as part of their display, infusing a sense of hope through the nation. Crowds were inspired with the gleaming use of aluminum, the newest development for internal and external home construction. In all, 35,000 attendees toured the structures, energized with ideas for their own dream dwellings. This year also saw the formal organization of the National Home Builders Association into the National Association of Homebuilders creating a nationwide institution that helped fuel a rapid interest in home construction throughout the United States.
- 1950
Rainbow Randevu
A dazzling array of colorful skirts crowded the main hall of the “Rainbow Randevu” for the Utah Home Show. It was the first time an all-female committee was entrusted with the heady task of consulting for the Parade of Homes festivities. Brimming with fresh ideas, the women advised builders and product sponsors to create displays with their homes as a part of the show. It was an immediate success, enticing fascinated onlookers into the Parade and setting the precedent for shows moving forward. Used by permission, Utah State Historical Society.
-
Growing House Demand
During WWII, the nation faced a considerable reduction in home construction due to a lack of workers and materials. With all of the soldiers returning home after the war ended, however, there was a desperate need for housing. A national survey was conducted revealing that an astounding 70% of the United States infrastructure was in need of significant upgrades, including basic housing. The National Home Builders Association begin organizing from the belief that it would take a national organization to tackle the housing challenges of such an unprecedented event.
- 1946
-
Gaining Members
The National Home Builders Association reaches its first milestone garnering 200k members. Again Edward J. Holmes would enter into a spotlight, traveling to Washington, DC in his continuing efforts to overcome the obstacles that still crippled the building industry. Holmes spoke with President Truman on the critical need for building materials to be made available throughout the United States. This action along with others would lead to President Truman’s 100th Radio Broadcast where he would tell the people of the country that the byways of the America, a majority of which were still little more than dirt roads, would be paved, allowing a new supply of building materials to be easily transported to areas across the nation that needed them most.
- 1948
-
The Greatest Homes Seen
Mouths dropped in awe as home show visitors inspected the famous “Hutchinson Model Homes” shown for the first time anywhere in western America. Respected everywhere as one of the greatest display of model homes ever assembled, they were crafted to exact scale from the drawings of the leading architects in America. Participants meandered through the masterfully crafted homes feasting on innovative ideas that opened up their minds and helped fuel their own dreams. In addition to this innovative energy, the titles of “Miss” and “Mrs. Home Show” were created, a contest designed to prepare young women to become distinguished homemakers.
- 1951
- 1942
Creation of “The Homes Show”
With WWII over and raw materials in critically short supply, the returning men and women from overseas were faced with limited housing options. The problem was greatly exacerbated by crippling wartime building restrictions. A man of vision and strong moral conviction, Edward J Holmes, Chairman of the Salt Lake City Home Builders Association, represented Utah at the National Home Builders Association meeting in Chicago, Illinois that year. Holmes recognized problems that stifled future building progress and with stanch resolve, committed himself to solving those problems. As the cornerstone to his efforts, Holmes, conceived an idea of a home show that would change housing in America forever. Together with seven other members of the Salt Lake HBA, the “Parade of Homes” was conceived as an annual event where the American people could tour new homes and experience the American dream as a physical manifestation of what was possible in building.
- 1947
Modern Building Technology
Although still bruised from the tragedy of WWII, the builders of the Utah National Home Show unified their resolve to create a stunning array of homes. The houses featured modern equipment and furnishings as part of their display, infusing a sense of hope through the nation. Crowds were inspired with the gleaming use of aluminum, the newest development for internal and external home construction. In all, 35,000 attendees toured the structures, energized with ideas for their own dream dwellings. This year also saw the formal organization of the National Home Builders Association into the National Association of Homebuilders creating a nationwide institution that helped fuel a rapid interest in home construction throughout the United States.
- 1950
Rainbow Randevu
A dazzling array of colorful skirts crowded the main hall of the “Rainbow Randevu” for the Utah Home Show. It was the first time an all-female committee was entrusted with the heady task of consulting for the Parade of Homes festivities. Brimming with fresh ideas, the women advised builders and product sponsors to create displays with their homes as a part of the show. It was an immediate success, enticing fascinated onlookers into the Parade and setting the precedent for shows moving forward. Used by permission, Utah State Historical Society.
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Building Project
Get ready to see our building projects as they go from the planning stages through to the final product. We’ll be introducing you to the most innovative gadgets and processes in home building and design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are we the Parade of Homes?
A: No, but we have the exclusive rights to their name for use on our show.
Q: How many Parades do you feature on the show?
A: Currently, we feature seven Parades.
Q: Where can I watch the show?
A: We’re on the local CBS affiliate station KUTV Channel 2 on Sundays at 10:30 am.
Q: How can I contact the builders?
A: Our website will provide contact information for each of our featured builders.
Q: How can I find upcoming dates for Parades in my area?
A: Check out your local Home Builders Association’s website for Parade information.
Q: When will the videos be available online?
A: We upload our videos onto this site and KUTV’s website a week after airing.
Q: Why do you only feature last year's Parades?
A: Because we want to use the show to encourage all potential Parade-goers to see the current Parades.
Q: Does the Parade of Homes Show live stream their content?
A: That feature is currently unavailable, although we do upload each episode after airing.
Q: How do I get my home featured on the Parade of Homes Show?
A: The local HBAs determine which homes we feature each season.
Q: Are you a DIY show?
A: No, we feature products and reputable contractors that offer the latest in home building and design ideas.
Q: How long is each episode?
A: Our episodes are 30 minutes long.
Q: How can I advertise with the Parade of Homes Show?
A: You may contact us either through our Sponsors page on the Utah site, or through the Contact page.
Q: What is the Parade of Homes Show?
A: The Parade of Homes Show is a series that features unique and beautiful Parade homes and their builders. We also show the latest and greatest in home building and design techniques from all over the building industry.
Q: Is this a family-friendly show?
A: Yes, this show is fun for the whole family!
Q: What does HBA stand for?
Home Builders Association
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