COOKEVILLE – The month of August was jam-packed with events throughout the Upper Cumberland this year, but one local favorite was noticeably absent from the Cookeville calendar.
After a successful two-year run with its Parade of Homes, the Home Builders Association of the Upper Cumberland (HBAUC) canceled its 2015 tour; there were not have enough homes to feature, organizers said.
But sights are set on a bright 2016. Plans are underway already for next year’s tour, although a date won’t be set until after the first of the year.
“The public was disappointed, and we heard many people went to the Parade of Homes in Nashville instead,” said Melanie Chadwell, executive officer at HBAUC, a trade organization that includes contractors, remodelers and others in the construction industry. “That’s a great event to see general trends and new products, but you don’t get to meet with local builders and companies that can actually provide products and services for your projects. The members of the Home Builders Association were definitely disappointed, too, so they are more committed to making it happen in 2016.”
The inaugural Parade of Homes was in 2013, and visitors toured four unique homes in the Cookeville area during a two-day stretch, viewing first-hand the latest in construction and interior design – and meeting the builders behind the projects. The show in 2014 had double the stops and included a home beyond Putnam County borders. Chadwell said “a few homes” have already committed for 2016. She’s hoping the event will inspire those in the region.
“We believe quality is more important than quantity,” Chadwell said. “We want to have a wide spectrum of home styles, that each have a ‘wow’ factor.
“The event generates funds for HBAUC and publicity for the organization,” she added, “but the main goal is to showcase members’ skills and the products available locally, while educating consumers and generating excitement for the local construction industry.”
For more information on the Parade of Homes, visit www.uchba.com or email home@uchba.com.
