The annual Homes for the Holiday Tour will no longer be every year but will switch to every other year, according to Bourbon County Historic Preservation Association Chairman Rhonda Dunn.
“Bourbon County HPA pioneered the concepts of homes tours and was the only homes tour in this area for many, many years,” Dunn said. “Now there are several other homes tours in the area and some of them on the same weekend. So the crowds we once enjoyed visiting the houses in our town are now staying closer to home at other tours.”
“Above everything else, the Homes for the Holidays tour takes the generosity of homeowners to open their houses to the tour and to the public,” she said. “Participating in the homes tour requires a lot of time and effort on the part of the homeowner. The most famous of Fort Scott’s historic homes have been on the Homes tour several times. It is difficult to find a ‘new’ home for the tour and it has become increasingly more difficult to get homes committed to participate in the tour.”
” So after much consideration, the HPA has decided to try a bi-annual format in hopes of having a strong, vibrant tour for many years to come,” she said.
“The tour has evolved through the years with the addition of the Stocking Stuffer Craft Show, the Moonlight and Mistletoe evening event, quilt shows, churches, etc.,” Dunn said. ” An event like HFH takes a large amount of volunteers to put the event together and nearly year-round preparation.”
There will still be Moonlight and Mistletoe Party.
Moonlight and Mistletoe is Friday, December 7, from 6-8 pm at the Courtland Hotel.
Tickets are $25 for the event and are available at the Convention and Visitors Bureau or Chamber of Commerce.
Hors doerves will be served, with a cash bar. Tours of the hotel and spa will be available.
“The Bourbon County Historic Preservation Association would like to thank everyone for the many years of support of the Homes for the Holidays tour, most especially the home’s owners and volunteers that made the event possible,” she said. ” Mark your calendars for December 6/7/8, 2019 for the Homes for the Holidays Tour.”
Anyone interested in opening their home for the Homes Tour or volunteering to help with the event next year can contact Rhonda Dunn at 620-224-1186.
There is still much to entertain that weekend in Fort Scott, she said.
The Candlelight Tour at the Fort Scott National Historic Site is December 7 and 8.
Tours on December 7 will begin at 6:30 p.m. and leave every 15 minutes until 9:00 p.m.
On Saturday, December 8, the tours will start at 5:00 p.m. with the final tour leaving at 8:45 p.m.
Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to park, present/pick up your ticket, and get oriented.
For more information click: Fort Candlelight Tour Tickets On Sale Nov. 1
The No Humbugs Christmas Lights Tours leave on December 7-9 at 6 pm, 7 pm, and 8 pm from the Visitors Center, 231 E. Wall.
“That includes treats, hot chocolate, glow necklaces, Christmas Carols with Fort Scott High School Thespians, and Santa might even make an appearance while on the tour,” Dunn said.
Enjoy a FREE regular tour of Fort Scott on Dolly the Trolley on Saturday, December 8, leaving on the hour beginning at 10 am, with the last tour at3 pm.
In addition, the shops throughout Fort Scott are open.
“Our boutique shops, bookstore, and antique shops are open on Saturday,” Dunn said. “There are some people on your gift list that are impossible to buy for. Rely on the knowledgeable advice of our expert shopkeepers. Gifts take on a special meaning when you purchase them from a live shopkeeper in a brick and mortar shop!”
Dunn said local restaurants are also open for a family’s dining experience.
“You can immerse yourself in the Christmas Spirit with a drink and incredible meal at Nate’s Place or Crooner’s Lounge,” she said.” Enjoy Fort Scott’s very own Holiday Ale at the Boiler Room Brewhaus.”