As a young man, my parents took our family to the Parade of Homes™1976. I remember the homes were in Glenmoor Village. It was exciting because the home builders had a large domed tent with exhibitors. I hadn’t ever seen anything this big that was temporary in nature.
While we walked through the home, I felt there were a couple things that could have been done differently. I mentioned this to my mother who agreed with me which validated my young heart. We approached a man in the living room who asked if we had any questions. My mother asked who he was, he happened to be the builder/designer Interstate Homes. To my great fear she said I had a couple ideas to share about the floorplan. He anxiously listened even offering that he may make the suggested changes in future homes.
Turns out he did, I loved seeing my ideas come to life. This seemingly simple parade experience set in place the course of my life. I pursued an architecture degree and have been that same little boy figuring out new ways to build ever since. I don’t think I am alone in having the parade mean something beyond showing the public new and innovative ideas.