Chamber of Commerce officials say this year’s Tour of Homespromises several exciting new twists – most notably the time ofyear and time of day for the event.

“This the first-ever Christmas Tour of Homes, and it’s the firstnight tour we’ve ever had,” said Rita Rich, chairwoman for thetour.

This year’s tour, with a theme of “Mistletoe, Merriment andMemories,” is scheduled for 5-9 p.m. Dec. 3. Begun in 1989, theannual tour was previously held in the spring and during theday.

“People have been asking for a Christmas tour, and I hope peoplewill support it,” Rich said.

Nine homes, businesses and other structures will be featuredthis year.

Homes on this year’s tour include the 625 N. Church St. home ofJohn and Dot McClendon, who have restored the 1930 Standard OilBulk Plant for their residence; the Oak Hill Drive homes of Don andSally Doty and Beck and Angie Warren; Roy and Dixie Roberts’ homeat 67 Southbrook Lane; the Victorian-style homestead of HildaDouglas and the late Horatio B. Douglas at 1806 Douglas Trail; andJames and Dixie Miller’s home at 1568 Fox Road.

“The homes are all beautiful,” Rich said. “For the tour, theywill be even more so because they will be decorated for Christmas,and that adds a touch of glamour.”

Kay Burton, chamber program director, agreed.

“The decorations will be a big attraction,” she said.

Also on the tour will be The Chambers, which is attorney JoeFernald’s office on South Railroad Avenue; the Foster-Smith LogCabin in Railroad Park and the Military Memorial Museum. Victoriancarriage rides, a tour favorite, will also be available.

The tour will follow closely on the heels of the annualChristmas Parade, which is scheduled for Dec. 1 in downtown. Theparade is always held the first Thursday after Thanksgiving.

Rich said the events should put people in the Christmas spiritwhile also encouraging them to get ready for the holiday.

“Hopefully, that will influence people to shop at home,” Richsaid.