AMHERST – Christmas just got a whole lot merrier as First Baptist Church of Amherst has announced the return of its popular Deck The Halls Christmas House Tour.
What began in 1993 as a fundraiser for their new roof, has become an Amherst Christmas tradition.
To date over 120 homes have been featured on the Christmas tour. In past years, the Amherst tour has been so popular that people come from all over Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to visit the featured homes as well as the historic downtown church.
Event founder Rev. Don Miller began the tour after having participated in other tours around the province.
“When I came to live in Amherst I was overwhelmed by our beautiful architecture and historic districts. I thought, if any town should be having a house tour it is Amherst. We have a lot to be proud of here,” Miller said. “I also think the secret to our success is that we feature real people in real homes celebrating the holidays. These are not pretend staged houses done up by professional decorators, but real people with kids who are excited about Santa coming, and real families celebrating the birth of the Christ child.”
Miller says this installment of the tour will feature five historic homes and homes of distinction, including three large century homes, one mid-century modern offering as well as a new sleek untraditional ranch-style in a country setting.
As always, the tour will feature something for everyone.
“Some enjoy the historic offerings, other the different stylings and other the decorative Christmas element. The 2017 tour is shaping up to be one of our strongest tours ever,” said Miller.
For many participants the house tour has been a wonderful way to begin the Advent season, and they have missed the fun and strong sense of community it brings.
“I thought our final tour was in 2014, but last year a group of determined ladies phoned me up and offered their help if we would only bring it back,” he said.
Miller said it’s a daunting task, asking homeowners to allow the church to bring hundreds of people into their house over the five-hour period, but they have always been up to the challenge.
The tour will take place on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 2 to 7pm. Tickets are $20 and area available from the Copper Tree Boutique, Bud to Blossoms Floral Boutique or from the church office.
