In the foothills of the North Georgia mountains, where fall paints the landscape in brilliant color and cool breezes usher in a new season, an extraordinary event unfolds each October. The Blue Ridge Mountains Parade of Homes is more than a luxury home tour—it's a celebration of design, craftsmanship, and purpose, where the region's finest builders open the doors to their most inspired creations. But what sets this event apart isn’t just what guests see—it’s what their presence makes possible.
Founded in 2019, the Parade of Homes serves as the annual fundraiser for the Future of Our Trades Scholarship Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting high school students pursuing careers in the skilled trades. With 100% of ticket sales, donations, and proceeds from a custom-built showcase home benefitting the foundation, the Parade has quickly grown into one of the most meaningful and visually stunning philanthropic events in the Southeast.
This is where architecture meets impact. To date, the foundation has awarded more than $830,000 in scholarships, helping dozens of students launch careers in fields like electrical, plumbing, HVAC, masonry, and carpentry. It’s a model that transforms passion for home design into a pipeline for developing the next generation of tradespeople.
The 2025 Parade, scheduled for October 17–19, promises to be the most impressive yet. Visitors will begin their experience at SouthState Bank in Blue Ridge, where they’ll receive credentials and a guide to the tour. From there, it’s a self-paced journey through an exclusive lineup of luxury homes—each a testament to the artistry and attention to detail that define modern mountain living.
Expect to be inspired. From timber-framed great rooms and chef-caliber kitchens to serene outdoor living spaces and sweeping mountain views, each home reflects the unique vision of its builder. Designers and craftsmen blend rustic textures with sophisticated finishes, smart technology with timeless style. No two homes are alike, and every detail—from bespoke cabinetry to artisan stonework—tells a story.
Along the way, tour guests are invited to engage with the builders, many of whom are on hand to offer insight into their process. Sponsors and partners elevate the experience further, with curated moments that include locally sourced refreshments, design demonstrations, and pop-up hospitality lounges. This year’s event will also feature live music and art showcases, ensuring the Parade is not just a tour, but a full-sensory celebration.
At the heart of the experience is the Parade’s signature project: the Scholarship House. Built collaboratively by a select group of builders and craftsmen, this showstopping home is sold at the close of the tour, with every dollar going directly to fund scholarships. It’s an extraordinary symbol of what the Parade represents: when a community of talent and generosity comes together, beautiful things happen.
For sponsors and business partners, the event offers unparalleled visibility among a discerning and philanthropic audience. For builders, it’s an opportunity to showcase their finest work to prospective clients in a setting that honors their craft. And for visitors, it’s a weekend of inspiration with lasting impact—an invitation to step inside dream homes while helping students build real futures.
One real estate company stands out in supporting this cause—led by partners Laura Elleby and Thomas Echea, whose deep passion for strengthening the North Georgia community shines through their enthusiastic backing of the Blue Ridge Mountains Parade of Homes and the Future of Our Trades Scholarship Foundation. Their commitment goes beyond business—it’s about fostering opportunities for local youth and giving back to the region they call home. Bringing together Laura’s impressive record of over 550 closed transactions and nearly $100 million in sales with Thomas’s extensive experience spanning multiple markets and more than $750 million in transactions, their combined real estate expertise is unmatched. Together, their team delivers trusted guidance to buyers, sellers, and builders, elevating real estate standards while championing the next generation of skilled trades professionals.
The Blue Ridge Mountains Parade of Homes is where beauty meets purpose, and where every ticket opens the door to possibility. For those who believe in great design and greater good, this is the event of the season.
To plan your visit or become a sponsor, visit blueridgeparadeofhomes.com. echearealestate.com
Parade of Homes Committee
Back Row (L-R) Tommy Wosyluk, Jacob White, Travis Coleman, Buzz Quintrell, Charlie Sisson, Keith Sumner, Keith Nunn, Chris Cowart, Don Clement
Front Row couch (L-R) Dionne Ryff, Andy Ryff, Candelario Chacon, Marc Nicholson, Rachel Nicholson
Missing: Ron Lomonaco, Kevin Teague, Terry Wilson, Henry Nicholson, William Nicholson