Flathead Valley Parade of Homes returns after years long hiatus

The Parade of Homes is back showcasing the area’s best craftsmanship in a lineup of 10 beautiful homes, ranging from starter houses to dream mansions.  

The event has a 20-year history in the valley, but took a four-year break following the pandemic, according to Parade of Homes Committee Chair Rocheal Gaston.  

This year, the Parade of Homes organized by the Flathead Building Association runs Sept. 13 and 14, and tickets can be purchased on-site during the event or at area businesses. 

Gaston said the event is better than ever this year, with the addition of a VIP bus tour on Friday night, where attendees can see some of the homes before attending the award ceremony, with plenty of food and drinks included.  

“They get to see a home in each of the categories, so they get a general sweep of what's going on, and then after the bus tour we're going to have a large party and present awards to the builders,” Gaston said.  

The Parade of Homes features cutting-edge trends in cabinetry, finishes, flooring and technology. Flathead Building Association Executive Director Mark Freidline said normally, only allow homes built within the last year are allowed to participate, but since the event hasn’t been held since 2019 homes built within the last two years are included.  

“These are newer homes, and some of them are still being built as we speak— working on their deadlines to get them done. [Builders] are putting the last-minute finishes and staging. They're super excited to showcase the great work that they do,” Freidline said.  

There is a wide variety of categories, ranging from more attainable homes to dream houses. Freidline said there are production builders who pre-sell homes with a set floor plan. Oftentimes, builders use the event as a way to showcase a new floor plan they are offering, while others use it to show-off custom-made work.  

Seeing a wide variety of flooring, cabinetry and more can help inform Parade attendees who they would like to contract with for work on their own homes.  

“[The builders] are all so good at what they do, they can all do it all right? But some of them are really great at modern, some of them are really great at traditional, and some of them love doing remodels,” Gaston said. “So it's not a bunch of builders doing the same thing, which I appreciate.”  

It also gives people the opportunity to see the biggest and best homes in the Flathead Valley.  

The Construction Group Montana’s Overlook home is over 5,000 square feet and is listed for $2.5 million. Located in Lakeside, it’s a classic Montana mansion with a warm wood exterior and a covered back deck that looks out over Flathead Lake and the Swan Mountain Range. Attendees will have a chance to view this four-bedroom, four-bathroom home with a three-car garage and no shortage of beautiful views.  

Another mansion that will be available for viewing in the Parade is Hollman Hideaway, built by Malmquist Construction on Big Mountain, where it’s situated at the top of Elk Highlands and Northern Lights development. It’s the highest house above sea level in the Flathead Valley, according to the builder.  

This contemporary modern home was designed with entertainment in mind, and its tall, marble-like walls frame the mountains outside. It’s over 10,000 square feet and features five bedrooms and six-and-a-half baths. It’s listed for $8.5 million.  

“It's really going to showcase some amazing technology, furnishings and design characteristics that people just love, going in there their eyes just pop, because they may never see a home like this again,” Freidline said.  

But Gaston said it’s not all about the ritzy properties — many people find homes or a contractor through the Parade.  

"No matter what category they're in, the craftsmanship from the builders that put homes in is just amazing. They take pride in what they do, they care about what they do, and it really shows at every level of the home — at any price level, too,” Gaston said.  

Freidline said the event wouldn’t be possible without the support of many sponsors, like Stockman Bank, Sliters Lumber and Building Supply, Whitefish Credit Union and Wintrust Mortgage, among many others.  

“We have over 20 different sponsors that have all come to help ensure that this event goes off wonderfully, and they've also helped to subsidize it for the public,” Freidline said. “So, you know that VIP bus tour would be over $100 value, with all the drinks and food on the bus and at award ceremony, but sponsorships have allowed us to get it down to $65.” 

As of last week, VIP tickets were nearly sold out for the bus tour and award ceremony. Tickets for both days can be purchased in advance at all Super1, Stockman Bank, Sliters Lumber and Building Supply, Glacier Banks and Three Rivers Bank locations, among others. A full list of location and the option to purchase tickets online can be found at www.buildingflathead.com/parade-of-homes/ 

The 2024 Parade of Homes magazine can also be downloaded from the organization’s website, which contains more of a look into this year’s lineup of houses and their builders.  

The daytime event on Sept. 14 runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are available in advance for $15 and on the day of the event at any home for $20.   

Reporter Taylor Inman can be reached at 406-758-4433 or by emailing tinman@dailyinterlake.com.  

    Malmquist Construction will showcase the "Hollman Hideaway" home in Whitefish during the Flathead Building Association's 2024 Parade of Homes. (Photo provided)
  

    Northwest Montana Builders will showcase "The Wyatt" home in Lakeside during the Flathead Building Association's 2024 Parade of Homes. (Photo provided)