Marietta Candlelight Tour Of Homes Set For Dec. 1
Marietta Restoration Associates (MRA) will present the 54th annual Marietta Candlelight Tour of Homes from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1, featuring eight private homes and numerous historic properties. "Each home has its own unique style and decor that showcases the owners' personality, and we are excited to see how beautifully decorated the homes are this year," said Jasmine Preston, event chair. "It is one of the longest-running tours available in Lancaster County, and Marietta is proud of its success through the years."
The property of the Marietta Senior Apartments, 601 E. Market St., will be decked out for the holidays and open to tour participants thanks to the efforts of manager Lisa Kashner and director of property management Jo Raff. "This is our first year decorating the outside of the building, so we're going all out and channeling our inner Joanna Gaines," said Kashner with a laugh. The building stands where the B.F. Hiestand Lumber Mill was originally built in 1848.
Kashner noted that the apartments' residents traditionally go above and beyond for Halloween. Being on the Marietta Candlelight Tour for the first time has given everyone another holiday to throw their energy and creativity into. The building's lobbies and community room will be part of the tour, as well as the apartment of resident Jan Newcomer. Born and raised in Wrightsville, Newcomer moved into Marietta Senior Apartments five years ago after retiring and moving back to the area from Lewes, Del. Her apartment features an array of country and primitive decor.
"It truly is a community event showcasing the entire town during the holiday season," said Preston.
Preston explained that the Marietta Candlelight Tour planning committee only takes a three-week break each year before it starts the planning of the next tour. "You can see the passion in their eyes when start talking about their thoughts for the next year," remarked Preston.
Tickets may be purchased in advance for a discount at http://www.mariettarestoration.org or by calling 717-426-4048. Tickets are also available to buy in advance at the locations listed on the website. On the day of the event, tickets may be purchased in Marietta at Donegal Intermediate School, 1177 River Road; Old Town Hall Museum, North Waterford Avenue and Walnut Street, and First National Escape, 100 W. Market St.
All proceeds from the Marietta Candlelight Tour will benefit the MRA and its efforts to restore and preserve the historic buildings in Marietta.
A map is provided with the tour program. Parking and shuttle bus service will be available from various stops throughout Marietta, and the Rivertowne Trolley Company will be operating as well.
In addition to the participating homes, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church - celebrating its 200th anniversary - will be on the tour as this year's featured church. Several other historic properties will be open to participants as well, including Old Town Hall Museum. Built in 1847, the building now hosts a museum on the first floor with a unique collection of Marietta and Lancaster County memorabilia.
Union Meeting House will showcase work from local artists for people to browse and purchase. Resident organist Kirk Garner will play Christmas music on the Meeting House's 1847 Henry Knauff Pipe Organ.
Arts and crafts vendors will be set up at First National Escape and Pioneer Fire Company. Chicken and waffle meals will be available to purchase at the fire company from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
At the Marietta Community House, Nissley Vineyards will offer wine sampling and wine to purchase, and Marietta Wax Company will be set up selling primitive decor.
In addition, Susquehanna Waldorf School, 15 W. Walnut St., will host its annual Winter Faire from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., where tour participants - as well as the public - are invited to stop in for holiday shopping, children's games and activities, and food and beverages.
"Marietta truly sparkles on the first Sunday of every December," Preston said. "It's the highlight to a lot of people's holiday season, (and) it really kicks off Christmas in the river town."
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