The 2008 Parade of Homes Fall Showcase in Blaine, in addition to an open house, is offering a variety of special events.

Hosted by Accent Homes Inc., which consists of builders and remodelers of homes in the Twin Cities northern suburbs, the special events during the six-week Parade of Homes Fall Showcase concludes Oct. 5.

An event is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 5, in which a 2008 Parade of Homes prince and princess will be crowned.

That program is for children age 11 and under who have submitted drawings of their dream homes. Each will be awarded the honorary title of Lord or Lady of Homes.

A panel of professional artists will judge the drawings and select the most creative entries from one boy and one girl.

The coronation will take place at 2 p.m. Oct. 5 at Parade Home No. 342, 11930 Davenport Court, Blaine.

Wendy Danks, marketing director for Builders Association of the Twin Cities, said that in the late 1950s the Parade of Homes crowned a Queen of Homes and her attendants.

"It's going to be fun," said Danks. "It's a way to celebrate the past."

This year is the 60th anniversary of the Parade of Homes Fall Showcase.

People who attend the crowning can take a look at photos and guidebooks from past Parade of Homes tours.

Jim Kuiken, creative director at Accent Homes, told Sun Focus that future coronations are possible; the number of contest entries and the turnout that is generated this year will be evaluated.

A few additional scheduled special events include an appearance by the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View (SBM) Fire Department, a pottery showcase and demonstration, and presentations of wine and chocolate.

"Attendees can grab some good food and good information," Kuiken said. "It makes it more fun for people to come in and look at a home.

He also said the Parade of Homes helps to draw crowds to the BATC's homes in a positive way. Kuiken explained the BATC is trying to focus on the positive aspects of building and buying a new home.

The Parade of Homes Fall Showcase is open from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Parade of Homes events include:

Sept. 27-Builder Bud's BBQ Extravaganza, 2 to 4 p.m. Grab a hot dog and meet the staff of the SBM Fire Department, who will demonstrate fire safety, planning in a fire emergency and a structural fire demonstration.

- Anthony Huonder and Nick Devries showcase their unique pottery. Devries will demonstrate his creative ability to transform clay into masterpieces on his potter's wheel, 1 to 4 p.m.

Sept. 28-Nationally recognized chocolatier Mary Leonard of Chocolat Celeste shares her award-winning delicacies. Her most recent creation is the Minnesota State Fair "Pig Lickers." (chocolate-covered bacon)

- Corey Burstad, owner of Tournament Liquor, will be presenting distinctive wines from around the world.

- Meet interior designer/owner Robin Peters of Furniture Manor. She will be available to answer questions involving creative design.

Oct. 5-The Builders Association of the Twin Cities crowns the 2008 Parade of Homes prince and princess.

Listings of all Parade homes are available at any Holiday gas station, free of charge.

"Attendees can grab some good food and good information," Kuiken said. "It makes it more fun for people to come in and look at a home.

He also said the Parade of Homes helps to draw crowds to the BATC's homes in a positive way. Kuiken explained the BATC is trying to focus on the positive aspects of building and buying a new home.

The Parade of Homes Fall Showcase is open from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Parade of Homes events include:

Sept. 27-Builder Bud's BBQ Extravaganza, 2 to 4 p.m. Grab a hot dog and meet the staff of the SBM Fire Department, who will demonstrate fire safety, planning in a fire emergency and a structural fire demonstration.

- Anthony Huonder and Nick Devries showcase their unique pottery. Devries will demonstrate his creative ability to transform clay into masterpieces on his potter's wheel, 1 to 4 p.m.

Sept. 28-Nationally recognized chocolatier Mary Leonard of Chocolat Celeste shares her award-winning delicacies. Her most recent creation is the Minnesota State Fair "Pig Lickers." (chocolate-covered bacon)

- Corey Burstad, owner of Tournament Liquor, will be presenting distinctive wines from around the world.

- Meet interior designer/owner Robin Peters of Furniture Manor. She will be available to answer questions involving creative design.

Oct. 5-The Builders Association of the Twin Cities crowns the 2008 Parade of Homes prince and princess.

Listings of all Parade homes are available at any Holiday gas station, free of charge.