Neighborhood Watch

Ever since Al Gore's little PowerPoint presentation turned up in movie theaters last year, being environmentally conscious is what's hot. And, while I'm usually skeptical of Hollywood hipster trends, this is one bandwagon I'd like to ride. Luckily, the Home Builders Association of Greater Dallas feels the same way. For this year's 16th annual Parade of Homes, the HBA Dallas is joining forces with Green Mountain Energy Company to showcase environmentally friendly custom homes at Shaddock Creek Estates in Frisco. Green Mountain is making the event carbon neutral by offsetting the electricity-related carbon dioxide emissions produced during the Parade of Homes. Also, all houses featured will meet or exceed the green building standards that, come summer, will be enforced citywide in Frisco. Green Mountain will even pull an Al Gore, kicking off the Parade with a presentation of its own about the benefits of clean electricity 10 a.m. Saturday at the Demonstration Stage. The Parade of Homes begins Saturday and continues through June 10, with houses open for viewing 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Tickets are $10 to $12 (with discount prices for children and seniors) and can be purchased at the gate, online or at participating Tom Thumb stores. For more information, visit dallasbuilders.com.
Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Starts: May 19. Continues through June 10