Parade of Homes returning to Camas

After showing off luxury homes at The Parklands at Camas Meadows in September 2018, the NW Natural Parade of Homes is coming back to Camas for a second consecutive year.

Builders, parade sponsors, local officials and members of the Building Industry Association of Clark County (BIA) gathered at the 2019 Parade of Homes site, the new Dawson’s Ridge development in southwest Camas, for a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 28.

“This is such an honor to be featured for a second year in a row,” said Camas Mayor Shannon Turk, at the Feb. 28 groundbreaking event.

Held on a sunny, nearly cloudless morning, the groundbreaking showcased the site’s views of the Columbia River Gorge from Camas’ southwestern hillsides.

“(Former) Mayor Scott Higgins used to say Camas knows when it’s putting on a show, and I think that’s true today,” Turk said, gesturing to the sun-filled sky.

Paul Dennis, the president of the Camas-Washougal Economic Development Association and project planner behind The Parklands at Camas Meadows mixed-use development, said The Parklands was “a stellar Parade of Homes site” in 2018 and drew record-breaking crowds. Dennis said he expects a similar outcome from the 2019 Parade of Homes at Dawson’s Ridge.

“The views from the ridge are amazing,” he said. “This is an incredible site.”

The 2019 NW Natural Parade of Homes, sponsored by DeWils and HomeStreet Bank, will feature 3,000-square-foot to 5,000-square-foot luxury homes priced from $1.5 million to more than $2 million.

“You will see fine craftsmanship, innovative design, a full remodeled home and, of course, fresh decor ideas by some of the Building Industry Association’s top designers,” said Avaly Scarpelli, executive director of the BIA. “We know this setting in Camas, overlooking the Columbia River, will make for a beautiful show.”

Now in its 42nd year, the NW Natural Parade of Homes is an annual builders’ showcase event, produced by the BIA of Clark County.

Before the 2018 parade at The Parklands at Camas Meadows, the last time the show was held in Camas was in 2002, when the tour featured Holly Hills Estates on Prune Hill. The Parade of Homes was held at Washougal developments from 2003 to 2006.