After celebrating the big 5-0 last year, the Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association (CVHBA) Parade of Homes event makes its return this June with the biggest lineup in years. Featuring 19 homes and one remodel, the weeklong event – June 7-14 – has also expanded its footprint; will feature a brand-new kids activity; and include the fan-favorite Scavenger Hunt activity.

Just ahead of its 51st year, the 2025 Parade of Homes continues to draw local and regional visitors of all ages. “It’s a great opportunity to see the latest trends in home building and design, plus check out new developments,” CVHBA Executive Officer, Christina Thrun, said. “It’s just a fun event to enjoy with a spouse or group of friends; we’ve seen many ‘ladies nights’ enjoying the Parade of Homes.”

We are excited to showcase a wide array of homes from affordable manufactured homes up to large and high-end custom homes. –Christina Thrun, Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association

With a grand total of 20 projects included in this year’s lineup – the most since 2020 when the event was all-virtual, featuring 24 projects – Thrun noted two contributing factors: a larger footprint and no virtual entry option.

With no virtual Parade entry accepted this year, all homes will be open for in-person touring at this year’s event. “We are excited to showcase a wide array of homes from affordable manufactured homes up to large and high-end custom homes,” Thrun said. “Plus, the event has grown geographically to include the Rice Lake area, and we have two homes located (there).”

Built by Ashley Construction, this home (1557 102nd Court, Chippewa Falls) features five bedrooms and four bathrooms across 4,184 square feet.

Built by Tenable Homes, this manufactured build is located at 3536 W. Folson St., #87, Eau Claire.

Built by C&M Home Builders & Real Estate, this four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom home is located at S8869 Mertinke Landing, Eleva.

14 area builders are represented in this year’s lineup: Ashley Construction; Barber Builders; Bayshore Home Sales; C&E Wurzer Builders; C&M Home Builders and Real Estate; Holzinger Homes; JM Builders; JMG Builders; Pabich Homes; R. Tews Construction & Design; Rock & Tait; Steen Construction; Tenable Homes; and Wurzer Builders.

Featured builds stretch from Altoona and Eau Claire to Chippewa Falls and Stanley, as well as Augusta, Eleva, and Rice Lake. Plus, more ‘firsts’ for the Parade are in store: "We are excited to showcase two manufactured homes this year, a first for our Parade of Homes,” Thrun said. “And our first Barndominium included this year.”

The addition of manufactured homes, often called mobile homes, in this year’s Parade expands both the visual variety and price range for attendees.

The Parade also draws participation with featured activities, and will offer a brand-new opportunity for families: Family Night, held on Wednesday, June 11, will offer kiddos Lincoln Log House Kits to take home.

The returning Scavenger Hunt will offer up cash cards as potential prizes for those with keen eyes, and on-site food trucks will be announced later this spring.

Talkin’ Trends

For potential home buyers and builders, the Parade of Homes also serves as inspiration and an opportunity to connect with local builders face-to-face. Ahead of this year’s event, Thrun pointed to a number of overall exterior and interior trends.

“Many of the homes this year are trending towards a more traditional look with modern influences and touches,” she said. Custom accents continue to be a popular trend, with black being a popular accent shade for interior and exterior colors. To that extent, single-color siding is growing once again in popularity, with variation in material types seen more often compared to variation in color.

Inside, Thrun noted quartz countertops as well as large and custom fireplaces are popular additions and will be seen in a number of Parade homes.

At 1,800 square feet, this unique home from JMG Builders features two bedrooms and two bathrooms, located at 1132 Malden Ave., Eau Claire.

Built by Steen Construction, Inc., this 6,900-square-foot home features six bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms, located at W11899 County Highway N, Stanley.

This 3,500-square-foot three-bedroom, three-bathroom build by Pabich Homes is located in Chippewa Falls (7456 County Highway K) .

Tickets to the Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association 2025 Parade of Homes event are $8/person through June 6 (prices will increase to $10 beginning June 7) with free entry for those ages 12 and under • Tickets can be purchased online; at Royal Credit Union locations in Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, and Menomonie; at the CVHBA office; or at the first home you visit during the event • Learn more about this year's featured dwellings and the full event at paradeofhomescv.com