Christmas tour lights up Perth
Heritage Perth Christmas House Tour sees town glow in community effort
GINA GILL
The historical town of Perth can seem almost frozen in time during the Christmas season. That’s according to members of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW), who will be hosting their 12th annual Heritage Perth Christmas House Tour on Dec. 2-3.
“It’s our major yearly initiative and all the money goes to a great cause,” explained Joy Sterritt, promotions co-ordinator of the house tour committee.
In all, the tours have raised more than $200,000 to support the advancement of education for women and contribute to local educational initiatives.
Last year, the tour had more than 900 visitors.
Each house on the tour will have its own heritage, as well as unique Christmas décor, on display. One house will offer cider for visitors while another house will feature a chance to win a prize. There are also a couple of surprises that will be revealed on the tour.
“Every house is totally different. Every house has its own decorator and florist who are all local. It’s a community effort,” said Sterritt. “It’s also a great shopping day. People can shop at our artisans and enjoy our first-class restaurants. The Saturday is also the Christmas Parade and the whole town is lit up like a winter wonderland.
“They (the homeowners) are just jumping out of their boots about this. They have been really supportive. Most of these homes are pushing 100 years old and have a lot of the original charm.”
The Miller heritage home featured on the tour will display an antique sleigh, used by the homeowner’s grandfather in the late 1800s.
“The sleigh was manufactured by The Munro and McIntosh Company and he (the homeowner) inherited the farm. The sleigh was in the barn for years, stowed away and collecting dust,” said Sterritt. “With the house tour, he thought what a great attraction and people could take their picture with it.”
House tour tickets are $30 each and can be purchased at the locations listed below.
HERITAGE PERTH CHRISTMAS HOUSE TOUR What: Tour of eight homes with seasonal
decor presented by Perth and area designers and florists. Proceeds go to the Canadian Federation of University Women organization to invest in the community.
When: Dec. 2-3 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Tickets: $30 each, available at area retailers, including Perth Home Furniture, 18 Gore St. E., Perth; Elizabeth Interiors, 8 Chambers St., Smiths Falls; The Blossom Shop, 167 Bridge Street, Carleton Place; Windsor’s Courtyard, 211 St. Lawrence St., Merrickville; Oderin Kitchen Supplies, 57 Brock St., Kingston; Tivoli Florist, 282 Richmond Rd., Ottawa; Crush Marketplace, 14 Mill St., Almonte; Dockside Living, 6 Broad St., Brockville.
Info: available online at cfuwperthanddistrict.wordpress.com or contact Joy Sterritt at 613-8658223