CINCINNATI — A decision is expected in February on whether one of the nation’s longest-running home shows will continue.

Homearama, sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Greater Cincinnati for the last 49 years, has not been scheduled for 2010, according to executive director Dan Dressman.

“I would hate to miss a year and I hope we don’t have to,” Dressman said.

Last year’s annual event was in the Carmelle subdivision in Mason, with houses that ranged from $550,000 to $950,000. It has been held in Warren County seven of the past eight years.

Dressman said sites for 2010 are being considered in Warren and Hamilton counties.

The credit crunch in the residential home market is affecting the event, he said. “It’s a bridge to cross and a big commitment for builders to do Homearama,” Dressman said.

While the Cincinnati area’s Homearama has yet to be decided, Dressman said Citirama will feature seven newly built homes in the Rockford Hills subdivision in Cincinnati in early June. Citirama will enter its ninth year in 2010.

In addition, he said, the Cincinnati Home Builders will partner with their counterparts in northern Kentucky for the Cavalcade show of 50 homes for two weeks in May — as well as a tour of remodelled homes this fall.

While Homearama is being considered, similar events sponsored by the Home Builders Association of the Miami Valley and the Homebuilders Association of Dayton have opted to forgo their events due to the housing market.

Walt Hibner, executive director of the Dayton organization, said there was a lack of interest by builders and that it’s become harder for builders to get financing without a buyer. He said most builders don’t want to take on the risks associated with speculative building.

Staff Writer Tim Tresslar contributed to this report.

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4504 or erichter@coxohio.com.