The Blog

This year’s artist, Kaylen Johnson, is an 18 year old senior at Wilmington’s Hoggard High School who has studied and been involved with art since the 4th grade. She won this year’s first-ever Parade of Homes Cover Art Contest for students conducted by StarNews Media and the Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association.

While in grade school, she received numerous scholastic and community awards for her art design and achievement.Kaylen’s studio work encompassed various local and regionally noted art professionals as her instructors.She initially exhibited her work predominately in water color. Throughout high school, her artistic interests grew to oils and other mediums. Her current art portfolio includes expressions in anime, still art, water color, oil, pastel, pen and ink and abstract art.

Kaylen’s professional affiliations include the Wilmington Art Association and the National Art Honor Society. She has attended various workshops andexhibitions by local artists in New Jersey, New York, Wilmington and Charleston. Kaylen, who lives in Wilmington with her parents and brother, has been accepted into the Art Institute of Charleston. She will persue a career in graphic design.

This year is very special because it marks the milestone silver anniversary of the Parade of Homes. Over the past 25 years, the Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Associationhas annually showcased this region’s finest homes. This year’s parade features 48 homesopen to the public to view completely free of charge. These featured homes showcase the latest building trends, materials and products our builder and associate members’ collaboration bring to the marketplace.

The Parade of Homes is sponsored by the Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association, the largest trade association east of I-95, which includes 1,100 member-firms employing 9,500 people in southeastern North Carolina. Builders make up the heart of our association, but our membership also includes companies affiliated with the building industry,such as plumbers, closing attorneys, bankers, real estate brokers, engineers, interior designers, public relations firms, architects and landscapers.

In addition to the finest in new home construction, the Parade of Homes showcases the unique lifestyle experienced by those of us fortunate enough to call this area home. Our pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, beautiful river, thriving arts community and outstanding shopping and dining make this region one of the most desireable places in the country to live. We are proud to highlight these unique amenities through our parade, which attracts large numbers of potential residents to our area each year.

We are also proud of the role residential and commercial builders play in making homeownership possible for everyone, even with the challenging economy. Our members prove they are master craftsmen by using the latest products, techniques and utmost care in building their homes. The Parade of Homes provides you with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to tour new homes, see the latest technology for yourself and get building and remodeling ideas for your own home. Take your time while touring the featured homes to marvel at the exceptional workmanship. Whether you are a long-time resident or a first-time visitor to this beautiful area, our parade has something that will catch your eye.

The 2011 Parade of Homes highlights the latest building trends, such as “green building”amenities and technologies. Today’s energy-efficient homes will save you money on your monthly utility bills. Another current trend in building is the return to smaller homes. Due to the downturn in the economy, people are utilizing every square foot of their home, shrinking its footprint and leaving nothing to waste. These trends and many others can be seen in the wide variety of homes showcased this year. Come see what 25 years of building has to offer and make your real estate dreams a reality.

I want to sincerely thank the many committee members who volunteered their time planning and coordinating this  year’s Parade of Homes. Thank you also to our many sponsors who make this event possible.

But we especially want to thank you for celebrating the 25th Anniversary of our Parade of Homes with us. Enjoy this year’s homes!

Craig Stevens
President
Wilmington-Cape Fear
Home Builders Association