Featured homes for 30th Homes for Holidays tour announced

The Historic Preservation Association of Bourbon County, Inc., announces the plans for the 30th annual Homes for the Holidays tour and Moonlight and Mistletoe, both of which whichwill be held December 4-6.

Moonlight and Mistletoe, the special Friday evening tour on Dec. 6, will feature the home of Jeff and Debbit McCoy at 510 South Eddy. The theme is "A Work in Progress."

Tour goers will have the opportunity to see an 1888 home that is being lovingly restored. In addition, there will be holiday beverages and a light buffet of savory and sweet items.

The tour homes and church also open their doors for Moonlight and Mistletoe, and the ticket includes admission to Saturday and Sunday's tour events. The tickets are $20, and the evening is limited to 100 guests. The two-hour tour begins at 6 p.m. Tickets must be purchased by Dec. 1.

Three homes and an historic church are included in the weekend tour:

* The late 19th Century Goldston home, at 1201 Burke, is a prime example of an old house with a new look. The theme is "Something Old, Something New." This is a family-focused home that has adapted to life with four active boys.

* The McFarlin-Pitts home, 315 S. Holbrook, was once the parsonage for the Methodist-Episcopal Church. Cynthia and Jim have combined classic with modern to provide a backdrop for their eclectic artwork and holiday décor. The title of this 1895 house is "The Parsonage."

* Don Miller's turn-of-the-century home, 924 S. Judson, is titled "A Collector's Christmas." Over 100 Byer's Choice carolers will be on display in different scenes throughout the house. Numerous handmade nativity scenes will be featured.

* The fourth site on the tour is the First Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford. The congregation is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year (Related story, page 7). The current church building, completed in 1925, was admitted to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. "Tapestry Tower" will be decorated with sparkling silver and white ornaments for the holiday weekend. In addition, the congregation will serve a salad luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 8. The charge is $6 per person. Visitors are welcome to join in the Sunday worship at 10:30 a.m.

The Stocking Stuffer, bake sale, and barbecue will be at Arnold Arena on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8. Admission is free at this site. An added feature this year will be homemade cinnamon rolls for sale on both Saturday and Sunday.

The holiday celebration extends to the downtown area as the Scottish Rite Temple will once again be on the tour.

A special event will also be held at Fort Scott National Historic Site. On Dec. 7 afternoon from 1 to 3 p.m., ladies and gentlemen of the garrison will demonstrate steps to favorite dances of the Victorian era. For more information, contact the park at 620-223-0310.

In addition to being an important part of the holiday season in Fort Scott for the past thirty years, the Homes for the Holidays tour has been the major fundraiser for HPA. The funds have helped to maintain and beautify the Old Congregational Church. Recently, HPA has worked in partnership with the City of Fort Scott to provide grants for the restoration of seven downtown buildings. These projects fulfill the organization's mission of saving historic buildings in Fort Scott and the surrounding area.

Tickets for the tour are $10. Tour tickets and Moonlight and Mistletoe tickets will be available in late October at County Cupboard, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Lyons Mansion.