Fort Scott, KS – This weekend is packed full of great events going on. Already, this short article space will not be enough to cover all that is going on. Hopefully, you will have a chance to get out this weekend and participate in some of the activities.

This will be the 35^th year the homes have been available for touring. The event is sponsored by the Historic Preservation Association of Bourbon County (HPA). The tour dates are December 6^th and 7^th, Saturday, 11am-5pm and Sunday, noon-4pm. Admission is a $12 donation and you can pick up a ticket and map at any of the homes.

In brief, there are four homes on the tour this year. You can click here to see the homes and the addresses ahead of time, but you will have to show up in person to really appreciate the beauty and the hard work these home-owners have done to showcase these remarkable homes.

We were able to catch up with two home owners to get a sneak peek inside the homes. Erica Schuber-Chikly, 816 S. Crawford, has just recently completed remodeling of her home, established in 1888. Here are a few pictures:

Also, Joyce Gobl was kind enough to allow us a few early pictures. Joyce and her sister, June Seaver were both working hard to put the finishing touches on over 19 trees located within the home Joyce doesn’t take credit, but said June is really the master designer of the presentation of the trees. Here are just a few pictures:

The two other homes include an 8,000 square foot home, re-purposed from a business built in 1922 and a three story Victorian brick home built in 1884.

Not only are you able to enjoy the beauty and the history of these homes and hear the stories, your ticket fee will continue to support the efforts and programs of the HPA. When you are finished with the tour, you can stop by the Middle School (1105 E 12^th St) , where HPA is sponsoring, “The Stocking Stuffer.” FREE ADMISSION. If you still have some shopping left to do, gift items and crafts are available for purchase along with baked goods and a brisket lunch. Hours: Saturday 9am-5pm; Sunday 11am-4pm

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Fort Scott, KS — Tuesday night hundreds of people gathered to the Historic Downtown Fort Scott to watch the annual Holiday parade hosted by the the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce. The parade started at 6pm on Main Street from 3rd Street  to Skubits Plaza.

Following the parade, the Mayor’s Tree Lighting ceremony commenced. A few remarks were made by Cindy Bartelsmeyer in Skubits Plaza before several prizes were given away. Local businesses, Walgreens, Radio Shack and  Walmart, were kind enough to donate prizes for the drawings. The lighting of the tree wrapped up the outdoor activities.

During the parade, everyone was able to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate provided by the Fort Scott Recreation Commission and after the Tree Ceremony, kids were welcomed by Santa at Papa Don’s. The first 200 children were given a free book donated by Greenbush. If you weren’t able to make it, here are a few pictures to tide you over until the next Fort Scott Parade!