Christmas Home Tours set for Dec. 1
Festive tree, table display precedes event
Need help getting inspired for the holidays or are you one of these people who just like to look?
No matter. Everyone is invited to spend the afternoon and evening in Marion Dec. 1 at two popular events — Christmas Magic and the Christmas Home Tours.
The first event, Christmas Magic, is from 1 to 5 p.m. in the former Marion City Library, located at 208 S. Santa Fe. Sponsored by the Marion Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee, Christmas Magic features festooned Christmas trees and festive table settings.
"No two trees or tables are alike," said Margo Yates, executive director for the Marion Chamber of Commerce. "It's a really cool way to get neat ideas."
Both organizations and individuals are decorating the trees and tables, Yates said. "We're trying to get different people involved."
The second year for the event, Yates said it attracted many people last year. Admission is $2 per person.
After visiting Christmas Magic, everyone is invited to get more ideas on the Christmas Home Tours from 4 to 7 p.m.
Families with homes on the tour are Dwight and Helen Beckham, located at 48 Lakeshore Drive, Marion County Lake; Mike and Pauline Holub, 2004 E. 230th; Robert and Penelope Marler, 325 N. Cedar; and Stan and Jami Williams, 405 N. Locust.
"There's really no one style of home on the tour," explained Marion City Librarian Janet Marler. "We have two older homes and two newer homes. And each homeowner has their own style of decorating."
Sponsored by Marion City Library, the third annual event is a fund-raiser for the facility.
"The money raised is used for materials and books," Marler said.
During the previous two years, approximately 250 to 300 people have attended the events.
Tickets for the event are $5 each, and are available in advance at Marion City Library, Marion Chamber of Commerce, local banks, or Marion Pharmacy.
Tickets also are available the day of the tour at the four home locations.
Refreshments will be served in the library — the town's former train depot, located at 101 Library Street — during the tour.
"We'd like everyone to come and see our remodeled and renovated 1912 depot," Marler said.
Both Marler and Yates said the two Christmas events compliment each other.
"The tree and table displays along with the home tours work together to draw more people to town," Marler said, noting it also encourages visitors to shop local Marion stores.
