Annual Colorado Springs Parade of Homes begins Friday despite changes due to pandemic

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The 66th annual Parade of Homes in Colorado Springs started Friday, a month later than usual and with other changes in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visitors can buy tickets to tour 24 new homes showing current trends and new innovations in home design. Homes range from affordable styles to luxury dream homes.

Because of the pandemic, organizers have made the following requirements:

• Masks are required at all homes
• Maintain social distancing
• Do not enter the homes if your are sick or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19
• Follow the path through home laid out by the builder
• Please limit your touches when inside the home
• Hand sanitizing stations will be available at the entrance of each home

"Each home has only one way in, one way to walk through it and one way out," said Parade spokesperson Danielle Doyle. "We also created virtual tickets to avoid having to handle regular tickets."

Organizers will also rely on virtual tickets for contract tracing, in case someone gets infected with or has symptoms of the virus.

Tickets cost $17 for adults and are sold line. Tickets are free for military members with a valid ID and are available at several area locations.

Visitors are eligible for prizes and can vote on which homes are the most popular.

Between 15,000 and 17,000 people take the Parade tour every year, according to organizers, and it's unclear how the pandemic will affect attendance.

Most visitors on Friday's opening day said they agree with the changes and the need for them.

"It does take a little bit away because you have to concentrate on that, when you really want to look at the house," said Karolyn Smith. "But that's the way it is right now."

For the first time, the Parade will feature a virtual tour that can be followed online and will feature seven homes which are not part of the Parade. The virtual tour starts next month and likely will include some of the homes featured in the parade.

For more information, contact: http://springsparade.com.