BRISTOL, Wis. -- The annual Parade of Homes kicked off over the weekend.

This year Bristol, Waunakee and Middleton were the local communities showcasing homes that are on the market.

Dan Duren's home in the Bristol Gardens subdivision was one of the many homes being showcased for the public.

Duren is hoping his green upgrades will help sell his home sooner.

"This is a new product," said Duren. "These countertops are made from recycled newspapers."

"We get some great price incentives from some of the manufacturers," said Duren. "The manufacturers want their products to be shown to these people because there are a lot of people that come through the parade."

Duren's home and one other are the only parade homes for sale. The others are serving as models.

"We just come out to see what's going on out there with the new homes and see what might be new for our child proofing and things like that," said John Morgan from Sun Prairie.

"Basically, we just come because it's so much fun to look for new ideas and the decorating," said Arlene Hellenbrand.

Hellenbrand recommends the Parade of Home for homebuilders like herself.

"If I build another home, there are just so many great ideas, decorations to see what the trend is, what the colors are," she said.

Despite the tough housing market, Duren said those looking for a good value in homes or home improvement ideas will find them.

Duren said most people were interested in the geothermal heating in his home, which also includes a tax incentive for buyers.

The Parade of Homes runs until June 28 from 3 to 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.