The Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association will kick off its 28th annual Parade of Homes event next week.

The parade, which showcases the craftsmanship, diversity and quality of more than 70 of the region’s premier residences, is a two-weekend event scheduled from noon to 5 p.m. April 26-27, and May 3-4, according to a news release.

The self-guided tour is free to the public.

“For 28 years the Parade of Homes has been the first place for families interested in the Cape Fear region to explore the options of new homeownership, whether they are looking for a new home, a vacation home or planning to relocate to our area,” Cameron Moore, executive officer of the association, said in a news release.

Many of the homes – ranging from $150,000 to $800,000 throughout New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick counties – featured in this year’s parade include single-family houses, townhomes and custom built homes, the news release stated. The residences also highlight some of the latest building trends, materials and products that Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association (WCFHBA) members bring to the marketplace.

“The Parade of Homes is the ultimate opportunity to view a variety of new homes built by talented, local builders,” Heath Clark, this year’s Parade of Homes chairman, said in the release.

WCFHBA president Craig Johnson said the parade could also help existing homeowners develop ideas for their residences.

“We are proud of the role residential and commercial builders play in making home ownership possible for everyone,” Johnson said in the release. “We are also proud of the role we play in providing homes, jobs and taxes in our state and in our local communities.”

The homebuilding association began the annual Parade of Homes event in 1987 – featuring 26 homes in New Hanover County that averaged a $100,000 sales price.

As the region’s housing market grew, so did the parade and its number of entries.

To learn more about the 2014 Parade of Homes, click here.