Scholarship Parade of Homes offers various styles and decor, includes Seward's "Cattle House"

The annual Scholarship Parade of Homes will celebrate its 20th anniversary of raising scholarship dollars for high school students in Seward County who will attend Concordia in Seward or Southeast Community College in Milford. Five homes will be open for this year’s parade on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Guests are invited to tour the homes of Randy and Jill Baack, Bob and Ann Briggs, Jon and Krista Burhoop, Bonnie Etzold, and Todd and Mindy LaVelle.

Tickets may be purchased in advance for $10 at Concordia University Weller Hall 206, Jones National Bank & Trust Co., Cattle National Bank & Trust Co., Union Bank & Trust Co. or online at christmasatconcordia.net.

The Scholarship Parade of Homes has raised more than $65,000 in cumulative scholarship funds since it began.

The event is sponsored by Concordia and Jones National Bank & Trust Co.

Additional information about the homes:

Randy and Jill Baack

110 Lincoln Street

Randy and Jill Baack moved into their first purchased home in July 2004. They were drawn to this 1908 two-story’s mature trees and the farm-house feel they had always dreamed of having. 

The Baacks salvage and repurpose items for their home, including a salvaged tin ceiling, a reclaimed barn wood table and a kitchen island made from an old cabinet. The wood floors and wood trim throughout the house were restored and bring a warm and rustic feel and complement their collected antiques, family heirlooms and other refinished items. Their large garden, brick patio and front porch are favorite spots to enjoy a meal, have a bonfire, play games or just sit and relax.

Bob and Ann Briggs

1544 Karol Kay Blvd.

After nearly two years of investigating homes and home sites in the Seward area, Bob and Anne Briggs concluded there wasn't a better location for their home than 1544 Karol Kay Blvd.’s wide-open eastern view to Plum Creek. So, in 2013 Bob and Anne remodeled their home, built in 1990, to be a comfortable space that would suit their needs for the next 25 years. 

The front of the house was expanded slightly to provide a larger living room with a fireplace. They expanded the back of the home to make a larger dining room area, a larger master bedroom and an updated master bath. The large covered deck has proven to be a great three-season space for entertaining or relaxing with family and friends.

Jon and Krista Burhoop

1566 Augusta Dr.

Jon and Krista Burhoop purchased their home in June 2013. The house was built in 2008 by Aspen Builders. With Jon's desire to live on a golf course someday and the rest of the family learning to play the sport, this home is a perfect fit for them. You can walk out their back patio to enjoy the view of the Seward Golf Course—the fairway of hole #3 to be exact.

This one-and-a-half story home with four bedrooms has plenty of space for their family of four, not to mention all of the social gatherings they love to host. When you enter, you are able to see the open staircase, along with windows that are two stories high. With its new, modern style and amazing view, every season is a joy to see from this home.

Bonnie Etzold

“The Cattle House,” now La Ruche Bed and Breakfast

1027 North 2nd Street

The Cattle House was built in 1904 for Walter and Bessie Cattle. Over the years, the house has served as a home for several families, as well as a dormitory at Concordia. With the expert help of Grimes Construction and many local craftsmen, Bonnie Etzold and her son Sam have fulfilled a vision to make the house a bed and breakfast by updating certain parts of the home while preserving others. They opened the doors of La Ruche Bed and Breakfast in September 2014.

Etzold added three bathrooms and changed the second floor master to a suite in the grand Victorian. The woodwork in the foyer, pocket doors and staircase is exceptional and original to The Cattle House. Turn of the century lights found at auctions and antique stores replace many of the fixtures added in the 1980s and add character to the home.

Todd and Mindy LaVelle

1471 182nd Road

Todd and Mindy LaVelle purchased their home in August 2013. The home was built in 1994 for the Duff and Becky Campbell family. Their ranch-style, open floor plan is located on 20 acres with wildlife in abundance.

The home is decorated with rustic and cabin-like charm and is landscaped with brick walkways, large rocks and a lily-filled pond, all adding beauty and character. Be sure to explore Todd’s pride and joy, his “man cave,” for more wildlife and nature experiences. At Christmas the home is decorated with traditional lights, Christmas trees, Santas and family keepsakes.