Student-built doghouses. Real trade skills. Support local schools.
The WNC Build & Remodel Expo is proud to introduce the first annual Pawrade of Homes — a one-of-a-kind workforce development showcase featuring student-built doghouses from 10 high schools across Buncombe and Henderson counties.
Sponsored by the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains (BABRM), this initiative connects the next generation of skilled tradespeople with the community — and gives Expo attendees a front-row seat to some impressive craftsmanship.
How It Works
Each participating school received an identical set of materials from 84 Lumber — framing lumber, sheathing, trim, and shingles — and a challenge: design and build the best doghouse you can. Students worked alongside their woodshop instructors to develop their own designs, with one rule: no purchasing additional supplies.
Schools may incorporate donated or upcycled materials as long as the total retail value stays within a defined limit — a constraint that pushes students to think like real builders, prioritizing problem-solving, creativity, and resourcefulness.
The completed doghouses will be on display throughout the Expo and up for raffle! Winners take home a one-of-a-kind doghouse built by the next generation of WNC’s skilled tradespeople.
The Raffle
Raffle proceeds and prizes benefit participating school programs.
Raffle tickets will be available for purchase soon. Check back!
Participating Schools
Ten schools from Buncombe and Henderson counties are competing in this year’s inaugural Pawrade of Homes:
- Asheville High School
- North Henderson High School
- West Henderson High School
- East Henderson High School
- A.C. Reynolds High School
- Charles D. Owen High School
- Clyde A. Erwin High School
- Enka High School
- North Buncombe High School
- T.C. Roberson High School
Why It Matters
For BABRM, the Pawrade of Homes is about more than impressive carpentry — it’s about building a stronger skilled labor pipeline for our region and inspiring students to see the trades as a real career path.
“We believe this program will help inspire students to pursue careers in the construction trades while also increasing community awareness of our organization.”
— Jeff Ehrhardt, BABRM Member & Home Builder Representative, Sherwin-Williams
“We have to make students, parents, and the community more aware of the careers that exist in the trades. Our best and brightest students can go into these fields and make a really great life for themselves.”
— Jennifer Taylor, Career Development Coordinator, Henderson County Public Schools
See It at the Expo
The Pawrade of Homes doghouses will be on display throughout the WNC Build & Remodel Expo at the WNC Agricultural Center’s Davis Event Center in Fletcher, NC.
Saturday, March 21: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, March 22: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
General admission is $10 · $5 for seniors 65+, military, first responders & educators · Free for kids 12 and under. One ticket covers both days. Parking is free.