While builders work to complete the homes in time for Homearama next month, the city of Suffolk is just as busy making its own preparations for the event.

As Suffolk prepares to host Homearama for the third time, the city is working with the Tidewater Builders Association and the builders to ensure everything goes to plan.

Kevin Hughes, the city’s director of economic development, said Homerama is a great opportunity to sell Suffolk to new visitors.

“We’re hoping to talk to folks and tell them about great things happening in Suffolk,” he said.

During Homearama, the public is invited to view nine themed homes that feature the latest in home design and technology from Oct. 15-30.

The featured homes are in the Riverfront at Harbour View in North Suffolk, which hosted the event once before in 2001.

The last time Homearama was held at the Riverfront in 2001, more than 100,000 people visited the event during its two-week run.

“If we see anything near those numbers, we’re going to have the opportunity to talk and tell great stories about Suffolk,” Hughes said.

Hughes said even if Homearama attendees aren’t interested in moving to Suffolk, the city hopes to attract visitors to come back to enjoy restaurants and other businesses.

“The goal is to spread the word and tell the Suffolk story to as many people as we can and have people continue to come back,” he said.

But the city takes on a huge workload by accepting hosting duties, Hughes said.

“We’re heavily involved,” he said.

Suffolk has worked on the event from the beginning and will continue to labor until and through the event.

There is a lot of paperwork and permits involved with getting the home showcase off the ground, Hughes said, but Homearama’s tight deadlines make a tough process even more stressful.

He said the city pushes to get any and all permits the builders need for the construction, as well as special events documentation to ensure everything is ready on time.

Hughes added his department has been working with TBA and the builders to ensure strict deadlines for the event are met.

“We’re having to work closely with them and work hand-in-hand,” he said.

In addition to overseeing the event, the city also is sponsoring a home in the showcase.

Hughes said Suffolk is partnering with Les Ore Construction and interior designer Cathy Tellefsen of Complete Interiors to create a tribute home to the city of Suffolk.

“We’re trying to carry a lot of themes and concepts and things that make Suffolk great throughout the house itself,” he said. “What we’re using it for is an opportunity to sell Suffolk.”

The 4,400-square-foot home will feature interior design that highlights the city’s character, including kid’s rooms decorated with the school colors of Suffolk’s high schools and an office filled with Suffolk maps and history.

“There’s also a lot of Mr. Peanut stuff in there, too,” Hughes said.

Also, Suffolk Public Schools will get involved with the Suffolk house by providing entertainment, such as performances from the jazz bands and demonstrations from cooking classes.

“We partner with the school system to do different events through the home where the students participate,” Hughes said.

The Suffolk-themed home will also feature furnishings from two local companies, Schewel’s Furniture Company and the Ark Group.

Along with the Suffolk house, the city will set up a tent alongside other vendors during Homearama, as well.

“We’ll be talking about the different tours, the restaurants, hotels, conference space, business parks and other things (in the city),” Hughes said. “We’re going to be out in the tent selling Suffolk the entire time.”