Cavalcade of Homes features spectacular dream homes

The 2008 Cavalcade of Homes is under way at Stewart Ridge of Plainfield, a Fry Properties community, through July 20. This year marks the 50th year of Cavalcades, Illinois' largest show.

"NIHBA is excited about the upcoming show, especially since it's our 50th year of Cavalcades," said Frank Bogdan, Cavalcade chairman, for the sponsoring Northern Illinois Home Builders Association (NIHBA). "Whether attendees are in the market for a new home or not, the Cavalcade provides such a unique avenue for participating builders to communicate and display new and inventive designs and building techniques available in today's market."

The 2008 show features state-of-the art style including home design, landscaping, interior design, home technology and much more. This year the show will also focus on tips to "green your home." The builders have included many green features in this year's model homes.

The homes in this year's show are the cumulative effort of a wide range of professionals in the residential construction industry. This year the show features five builders that have never previously been showcased in a Cavalcade, along with an eight-year veteran. The builders are Christyn Homes; Crimson Design & Construction, Inc.; DJK Custom Homes, Inc.; Fry Properties, Inc.; James Scott Custom Builders; and St. Thomas Homes. Both Fry Properties and Christyn Homes will feature two homes in the show.

You'll enjoy eight fully furnished Cavalcade Homes which feature the latest building and decorating trends. The designs will dazzle visitors with such features as Plasmas on the Patio, kitchens that are the gourmet cook's delight and the Dreamiest Little Girl's Sweet Shop Bedroom. Those up for a quick round of golf can just tee up at the Indoor Golf Simulator for a quick 18. It's an unbelievably realistic system.

Technology reigns supreme with whole-house audio systems including an iPod dock to access your personal music library from any room in the house. Lighting automation systems control the environment 24/7. High definition is the name of the game with plasma display walls, and Blu-ray surround sound systems.

Don't forget to look up as you walk through these beautiful models. Coffered, barrel, faux copper, vaulted, tray, tongue and groove ceilings abound. There are phenomenal ceiling treatments in every home.

This year the show has a variety of special events. For example, there will be two Ladies' Nights Out, a huge joint Chamber networking event and a Gourmet Night.

The Plainfield location is yet another perk of the show. The village offers shopping, dining, entertainment plus small-town comfort with big city benefits.

The Cavalcade of Homes is at Stewart Ridge in Plainfield. Stewart Ridge is aptly named for the changes in elevation that offer homeowners stunning westward views. Several lots that will accommodate walk-out and look-out basements grace the ridge area. Dual boulevard entries create an elegant welcome into the subdivision.

Stewart Ridge is in the Oswego School District and is near the newly opened Oswego East High School. Biking and walking trails connect the subdivision to adjacent developments to the south. The Oswegoland Park District plans a community park for families to enjoy.

The community offers a host of attractive lifestyle amenities. In addition to schools, churches and the nearby Edward Hospital Immediate Care facility, the area boasts extensive retail opportunities, numerous parks, the new Oswegoland Park District Aquatic Center, the Plainfield Park District's nearby Bridle Trail, Normantown Trails Equestrian Center and quaint downtown Plainfield.

Situated at Heggs Road, between 119th and 127th Streets just 1 mile west of Route 30, Stewart Ridge has all of the above amenities to offer and more. This location affords residents easy access to Route 59, the Westfield Fox Valley Mall area, and Interstate 55. Coming soon a few miles away on Route 59 and 119th Street is the Life Style Center, which will feature Von Maur Department Store and others.

The Cavalcade runs through July 20. Gates open daily at 10 am. The show closes at 9 p.m. on Saturday through Wednesday with extended hours to 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Tickets are $12 for adults, with children under 12 admitted free. Additional information, drive out directions and a discount coupon are available by visiting the Web site at www.CavalcadeofHomes.com.

The Cavalcade of Homes generates between 28,000 and 33,000 visitors and is sponsored by the Northern Illinois Homes Builders Association. For more information on the Cavalcade of Homes, visit the Web site or call the NIHBA office at (630) 978-9000.