Get your runners ready -- Parade is back

I know that we're still six days away, but I'm already excited about March because it's going to be a terrific month for everything relating to the home.

From March 2 to 24, the Spring Parade of Homes returns for another tremendous showing. Although all the details are not released until the start of Parade, rumour has it that there will be 124 new homes featured this year, an all-time record number.

The ever-popular Parade magazine will be out again, both in print and online at the Manitoba Home Builders' Association and Winnipeg Free Press websites, so be sure to look for it. You'll also be able to follow reviews of the various homes on live blogs and Facebook sites.

However, nothing can compare to seeing these fabulous homes in person, so get your runners ready and mark off the dates now, because you'll need the extra time to get to all of the spectacular show homes on display courtesy of Manitoba's new-home builders.

But there's more. On Wednesday, March 13, the Winnipeg Realtors Association is hosting the third annual Gimme Shelter fundraiser at the Ranch Saloon for the MREA Shelter Foundation. More information about donations and tickets to this great event is available on both of their websites.

As well, on March 15, 16 and 17, the 39th Annual Home Expressions Home and Garden Show returns to the Winnipeg Convention Centre. Everything you want and need to know about your home can be found under one roof on that weekend.

Go to www.homeexpressions.ca, to find hours of operation and ticket information. As it gets closer to show time, there will be a list of exhibitors and events. But it's already confirmed that HGTV's Samantha Pynn and Colin Hunter will be here that weekend. Their presentations are always informative, entertaining and sure to delight.

Finally, do you know what else is home-related in March? Our Winnipeg Jets have eight home games in their run to the playoffs. March is going to be the ultimate home month for so many reasons.

Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 23, 2013 F4