PINT-SIZE PARADE

When you wander through the huge houses during this year's Parade of Homes in Aurora, open through Sept. 3, keep your eye out for smaller structures.

Ten members of the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver have built and donated three children's playhouses for auction and seven doghouses to be raffled off to benefit the Home Builders Foundation of Metro Denver. The philanthropic organization helps renovate homes and provides improved housing environments for those with long-term disabilities.

Two examples of the fundraising structures:

• Sheffield Tea House: A Harry Potter-inspired teahouse from Sheffield homes re-creates the look and feel of a scene from one of J.K. Rowling's famous books. Decorated with cupids, sweets and other fanciful creations, this miniature residence is an ideal escape for a kid with a wild imagination.

• Engle Homes Nautical Dog House: A discerning canine will love this seaside-inspired playhouse that features pull-out food and water bowls, a hide-away storage bin, Trex decking, windows and a solar-powered lighthouse beacon.

Bids for the three playhouses will be taken online. You can see an artist's rendering of each playhouse and place your bid at LittleHousesOn Parade.com. The bidding deadline is 5 p.m. Sept. 3, final day of the Parade.

ParadeOfHomesDenver.com