By CBJ News Staff
newsroom@corridorbusiness.com
The Greater Iowa City Area Home Builders Association has announced plans to hold its 53rd Parade of Homes for new-construction homes, and its 23rd Remodelers Parade, Aug. 1-9, with new virtual tours of all properties and a new mobile app for navigating to homes.
Tickets are available for $10 at the Iowa City Area Home Builders Association, 11 S. Gilbert, Iowa City, and each parade home. Every purchaser may complete an entry form for a chance to win $500 toward an Iowa City Area HBA business of their choice. Presenting sponsors are Hills Bank and Urban Acres Real Estate.
“Homes on the parade this year differ in how they’re available to view,” Parade of Homes Chair Mitchell Manning of Sobaski Abbey Carpet & Floor said in a release. “Some are virtual-tour only, others just the first weekend and the rest available to physically visit throughout the parade. All homes will eventually be available on the virtual tour.”
The new 360-degree virtual tour lets participants view houses remotely beginning mid-August until the 2021 parade. The new ParadeSmart mobile-only enables guests to more easily find where they’re going and information they’re seeking. The app and virtual tour complement the parade website and magazine that offers a map to all homes, builder details and subcontractors. Patrons vote for the People’s Choice categories of interior design, kitchen, landscaping, master bathroom and overall within the ParadeSmart app.
The event will feature a Poker Run organized by the Solon American Legion Stinocher Post #460 on Aug. 1. Individuals age 21 or older can participate on motorcycle, bicycle, four wheels or on foot. Entry fee is $20 with proceeds going to the Coralville Food Pantry and Iowa City’s CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank.
Riders will meet at McGrath Hawkeye Harley-Davidson, 120 Westcor Drive, Coralville, between 9 and 10 a.m. to receive a Poker Run sheet and special parade ticket, while enjoying donuts, juice and coffee on the patio. Departure is at 10 a.m., rain or shine. Each house has a different playing card.. Preregistration is encouraged, by emailing karyl@hbaofic.org by July 27.
Parade of Homes hours will be:
Aug. 1: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Aug. 2: Noon–5 p.m.
Aug. 4: 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Aug. 6: 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Aug. 8: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Aug. 9: Noon–5 p.m.
The 23rd Remodelers Parade will be:
Aug. 1: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Aug. 2: Noon–5 p.m. CBJ
