How to go
What: 36th WASSO Holiday Home Tour and Cookie Sale
Where: Various homes in Springfield
When: Saturday, Dec. 12, and Sunday, Dec. 13, 2-5 p.m.
Admission: $15 presale and $20 day of tour
More info: 937-325-8100 or go to www.springfieldsym.com
Five local residences will show why there’s no place like a home in Springfield for the holidays.
Not to mention one of the sweetest.
The 36th Annual Women’s Association of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (WASSO) Home Tour and Cookie Sale will see the halls decked in holiday style and filled with baked treats for sale at each stop.
Attendees will have two chances to tour the homes this year – 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 and Sunday, Dec. 13.
The event is a fundraiser for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra to benefit its many programs and activities.
WASSO President Andi Lamar said the Home Tour was expanded to two days based on feedback.
“We hope having it for two days will make a difference,” she said. “Hopefully, people who work or volunteer can come back the next day to see the places they didn’t get to.”
Lamar said it is a nice blend with two historic homes –the residences on Fountain and Kenton— and modern.
“People love seeing other’s homes and decorations. As long as people are willing keep opening their homes we’ll keep offering the tours,” she said.
Featured homes, all in Springfield, this year include:
- Diane and Tom Ericksen, 727 Edenwood Dr. (The Forge). This home overlooks Windy Knoll Golf Club and will have a special toy train setup among its highlights.
- Mary Jo Groves and Rob Baker, 818 N. Fountain Ave. Built in 1910, this residence sat vacant for 10 years, and the current owners have returned it back to original style in its woodwork and floors.
- Cathy Donahoe and DeWayne Campbell, 3118 Campbell Dr. (Kingsgate). A modern house made rustic with stone fireplaces indoors and out.
- Toni and Brian Hellwig, 2726 Wildflower Dr. (Off Baker Rd.) This house will add to the holiday atmosphere with several nativity scenes from the owners' private collection as well as original artwork and ornaments.
- Cheryl and Leroy Abston, 802 Kenton St. This residence was a former parish priest's house for St. Joseph and contains 11 bedrooms and 4.5 baths.
Special floral arrangements from local florists will also be in some participating homes.
An interactive map of the tour’s homes is available on the Symphony’s website, http://www.springfieldsym.org/homes.html.
Advance tickets cost $15 each and are available in Springfield at the Symphony office, from WASSO members, Katie’s Hallmark, Schneider’s Florist, Frame Haven, Heart of Country, Frame Haven and Curves West.
Tickets are also available in Urbana at Bill’s Enchanted Florist and in Yellow Springs at Heaven on Earth Emporium.
Tickets may also be purchased at any home on the tour for $20.
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