Four festive locations are part of this year?s 13th annual Christmas Home Tour from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, sponsored by the Marion City Library.
Tickets are $5 and can be purchased the day of the tour at the library or any of the participating locations.
Featured homes include the Adkins? place at 420 N. Freeborn; the Historic Elgin Hotel, 115 N. Third St.; the Hiebert?s at 1418 E. Denver and the Thurston?s residence at 111 S. Cedar.
This year?s theme, ?A Whimsical Christmas,? according to organizers, begins with tour goers entering the former Santa Fe Railroad Station and encountering a large tree decked in bright colors and trendy lime green.
Jeanice Thomas, one of the coordinators, said seasonal treats will include traditional cookies and other sweets, along with the popular book sale.
The Adkins? home
Chad and Michelle Adkins, 420 N. Freeborn, begin filling their home with lots of Christmas trees immediately following the Thanksgiving holiday.
?They have a traditional tree, theme trees, family room trees, trees in the bedrooms and forest of trees, snowmen and a miniature village on the pool table,? Thomas said.
In addition to a forest of trees, the family also commemorates past Christmas celebrations with photos and memories of grandparents, cousins and friends.
Historic Elgin Hotel
Jim and Nancy Cloutier, owners of the Historic Elgin Hotel, are looking forward to showing visitors a classical Victorian Christmas.
?The Elgin is spectacular anytime,? Thomas said, ?but at Christmas too much is just enough?a feast for the eyes on two floors.?
Some of the decor includes shining marble floors. dozens of chandeliers with pressed metal ceilings reflecting the glow of those many hanging lights.
A series of Victorian figures, about three feet high, are scattered about the first floor and the lobby fireplace offering a comforting welcome.
?The opulently decorated ballroom Christmas tree is situated before a huge gilt mirror, offering a double view of its magnificence,? she said.
Although guests can climb the staircase, an elevator is available for the less energetic, she added.
The second floor of the Elgin includes the governor?s suite and the Norma Hannaford suite, Thomas said, with a second fireplace making the guests sitting area cozy.
The Hiebert?s home
Dean and Eileen Hiebert, 1418 E. Denver, is a home with two musicians.
?They are individuals who live their faith and cherish their families,? Thomas said.
?There are trees, one of which is a fiber optic one displayed in the master bedroom, and there are wreaths, dozens of them.?
This year, many of the decorations have been loaned to the Hieberts by family and friends.
?Eileen?s sister has contributed not only a tree, but her collection of Danbury Mint golden Christmas ornaments.?
Many of the decorations were acquired over a six-year period and both Eileen and her sister, Thomas said, are happy visitors will have an opportunity to enjoy them during this Christmas season.
?Remembrances of family are not limited to the holidays,? she said. ?A fascinating floor lamp created by Dean?s father and a small piece of art, fashioned by Dean?s brother, are housed in the living room.?
A music stand adjacent to a tree is a reference to the pair?s musical talents, Thomas noted.
?It is ?Joy to the World? at the Hiebert?s home,? she said.
The Thurston?s home
Brent and Heidi Thurston, 111 S. Cedar, is a cheerful and welcoming cottage, Thomas explained.
?Sky blues, pinks and whites as pure as the icing on a bride?s cake,? she said. ?The living room tree celebrates all the fun of ?being a girl? with ballerina and similar ornaments.?
Daughters Rachel and Hannah love Paris in December or any other time of the year, she said. Their bedroom is a tribute to that city, too.
During the Thurston?s years of ownership, they have transformed the building from a dated house to a very 21st Century residence.
?Visitors will be interested in descriptions of the process,? she said.
Marion City Library
Everyone is encouraged to stop by the library, 101 Library St., for refreshments and view the wide variety of books and gift items from ?Books are Fun.?
Pat Wick of Ramona will also be selling her book, ?Another Day in the Country,? with all proceeds going towards the library addition.
In addition, all revenue from the home tour will also go toward library improvements.
For more information about the tour, call 620-382-2442.
