Mesta Park plans holiday home tour

Six homes, a festive refreshment porch, holiday music by neighborhood students and a visit from Santa Claus will be features of the 42nd Mesta Park Holiday Home Tour on Dec. 7-8.

Attendance for the fundraising event has grown in recent years, with nearly 1,800 people exploring one of Oklahoma City's historic neighborhoods.

Tour ticket purchases include complimentary coffee, hot cider and cookies on the porch of Jennifer and Andy Bowman. Appearances and photo ops with Santa Claus will be available. All homes will be adorned with festive decorations and fresh greenery. Luxury transportation will be available for attendees who would like assistance making the complete tour.

The event kicks off with a candlelight tour from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7 and continues with an afternoon tour from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 8. Advance tickets are $12 for adults and come with a free $5 gift card to Parlor. Children tickets will be $5 at the door on tour day. Adult tickets $15 at the door on tour day. Childreen 3 ans under admitted free. Tour homes will be:

• 628 NW 21: Jimmie and Susan

Ownbey.

• 900 NW 20: Mat and McKenzie

Clouse.

• 1008 NW 18: Pete and Whitney

Marrs.

• 901 NW 16: Lauren Warkentine. • 516 NW 16: Tommy and Molly Cooke. • 907 NW 18: Floyd Simon. • Refreshment Porch: 704 NW 18, Andy and Jennifer Bowman.

Mesta Park, started in 1902, features many examples of classic architecture from the early 20th century. The neighborhood is bordered by Western Avenue on the west and Walker Avenue on the east, from NW 16 north to NW 22, with a small peninsula stretching east on NW 22 to Robinson. Mesta Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated a Historic Preservation District by the city of Oklahoma City.