The Saratoga Builders Association is preparing for the 30th anniversary of its annual Showcase of Homes, an event that has evolved from a simple builder display into a major regional tradition. The 2026 edition is scheduled for October 3 and 4, as well as October 10 and 11.
During these dates, 13 homes constructed by 12 different builders will be open for self-guided tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased online or at various local locations, including Adirondack Trust branches, Arrow Bank, Curtis Lumber, Roohan Realty, and Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations.
Barry Potoker, executive director of the Saratoga Builders Association and co-chair of the event, noted that the showcase typically attracts between 3,500 and 4,000 visitors over its two weekends. He described the gathering as a community event where residents interact directly with construction professionals. "People just love being able to interact with all the builders," Potoker said. "It’s sort of a community event."
The event has also established a significant charitable track record. Over the first 29 years, the showcase has raised $1.8 million for Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties and Rebuilding Together Saratoga County. The 2025 event alone generated $66,000.
John Witt of Witt Construction, who helped launch the initiative more than three decades ago, expressed optimism about future fundraising. "It feels good," Witt said. "We’re going to be pushing a couple million bucks in a couple of years."
For the 30th anniversary, the association is introducing a workforce development component. BOCES students will construct an Adirondack-style greenhouse for display, while other students will build planters at the Trojanski Custom Builders site on the opening Saturday. This effort aims to introduce younger generations to the construction trades.