Texas Builder, May/June 2016

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20 Texas Association of Builders May/June 2016
Area Spotlight
By Chad Andycha Homes on Parade
The latest and greatest East Texas area
homes are soon to be on display to
the public. Several local associations,
including the East Texas Builders
Association (ETBA), Tyler Area Builders
Association (TABA), and Deep East
Texas Association of Builders (DETAB),
have upcoming home parades. These
events cater to a variety of community
members, including prospective home
buyers, builders searching for inspiration,
homeowners looking for remodeling ideas,
and even the average Joe and Jane Doe
looking for something to do.
First up, ETBA’s Spring Parade of Homes
will be held the weekends of May 6-8 and
13-15 in and around Longview, Hallsville,
Lake Cherokee, and Gladewater. Tickets
are $10 a person. Home sizes range from
under 2,000 to over 6,000 square feet. In the
fall, DETAB will have their annual Parade
of Homes as well.
TABA’s Parade of Homes begins Saturday,
June 4 and goes through Sunday, June
12. Their scattered-site parade has
been ongoing since 1953, and they are
expecting to showcase over 30 homes this
year. “We range from first-time homes, in
the $200,000 range, up to million-dollar
homes. We have a nice variety for the
community,” said Libby Simmons, TABA
Executive Vice President. “We also have a
remodel entry this year, and that is always
a big draw as well.”
There are many high-quality new home
builders on TABA’s parade roster. Parade
attendees can expect to see a lot of the
latest trends in East Texas home building.
Outdoor living spaces are popular in the
area, especially in higher-end homes.
Several homes are also likely to feature the
latest in smart-home technology.
TABA is looking forward to a good
turnout. “Our association really believes
in this community, and our area has a
great group of people,” said Simmons.
“That’s why it’s special to me that a portion
of the parade’s ticket sales go back to the
community. Last year we made a donation
to two local charities of $6,000 each.”
Past charity recipients include the Make-
A-Wish Foundation, St. Paul Children’s
Foundation, and Hope Haven of East Texas.
“It takes months to get ready for a parade,”
said Simmons. “The key is everything has
to come together at just the right time.”
More information on each of these Parades
of Homes can be found at the associations’
websites: www.
and .
So if you’ll be in the area, plan on visiting the
homes in one or all of these parades in 2016,
and don’t forget to take off your shoes!