This year's Parade of Homes begins tomorrow, showcasing 11 model units by new-home developers on three islands.

The Building Industry Association of Hawaii's annual showcase, which is part marketing event and part contest, drew entries priced from under $400,000 to nearly $2 million, on Oahu, Maui and Kauai, built by six developers.

The turnout was relatively low for the event in its 53rd year, as developers struggle with reduced demand in a deflated housing market. Last year there were 22 entries on four islands represented in the show, which typically has included 20 to 40 homes, though the record low was nine homes in 2003.

This year, the event's theme is "It's the Right Time to Buy." The free open house tour runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow, Sunday and Oct. 17 and 18.

The BIA named an 1,194-square-foot model home at the Tides at Laulani by Gentry subdivision in Ewa Beach its grand champion winner as most outstanding home. The Puna Kea Plan 4 model by Gentry Homes Ltd. was entered in the category of single-family home priced from $399,001 to $499,000. The BIA said it is the first time that the event's top award has gone to an entry-level affordable home.

ENTRIES BY CATEGORY

SINGLE FAMILY

Up to $399,000

• Tides by Gentry, Aukai Plan 2 — 91-1001 Keaunui Drive No. 58, 'Ewa Beach, by Gentry Homes

$399,001-$499,000

• Tides by Gentry, Puna Kea Plan 4 — 91-1001 Keaunui Drive No. 57, 'Ewa Beach, by Gentry Homes

$499,001-$599,000

• The Cottages at Kehalani, Plan 1-R — 112 Kinohi Loa St., Wailuku, Maui, by Stanford Carr Development

$599,001-$799,000

• Ka Makana at Hoakalei, Kukui Series 30.40 — 91-1322 Keone'ula Blvd., 'Ewa Beach, by Haseko Homes

• Latitudes by Gentry, So Ho Plan 4 — 91-1146 Ho'ili'ili St., 'Ewa Beach, by Gentry Homes

$999,001-$1,999,000

• Ka Makana at Hoakalei, Koa Series 60.10 — 91-1322 Keone'ula Blvd., 'Ewa Beach, by Haseko Homes

• Bay View Estates, Hibiscus — 45-146 Ikenakai St., Kane'ohe, by Royal-Clark Development

MULTIFAMILY/TOWNHOUSE

$399,001-$499,000

• Nanala at Mehana, Mohala (B) — 510 Kunehi St., No. 109, Kapolei, by D.R. Horton's Schuler Division

• Ka Makana at Hoakalei, Lehua Series 10.10 — 91-1322 Keone'ula Blvd., 'Ewa Beach, by Haseko Homes

• The Villas at Kehalani, Plan 2 — 15 'Awela Circle No. 103, Wailuku, Maui, by Stanford Carr Development

$999,001-$1,999,000

• Ka'iulani of Princeville, Valley Home Model D, Unit 2 — 4100 Queen Emma Drive, No. 2, Princeville, Kaua'i, by QEB III