The multicolored lights are shining and bells are chiming as welcome mats are laid out to usher in visitors for Christmas magic and music.
Six Mount Dora homeowners will share their Christmas spirit as part of the Mount Dora Christmas Tour of Homes, sponsored by the Women’s Committee of Fine Arts of Mount Dora to raise scholarship money high-school students in their pursuit of a college degree in music, art, drama dance and other areas of fine arts.
The tour runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Since 1977, more than 230 homeowners have opened their doors during the tour, which over the years has resulted in more than $290,000 in scholarships to 332 students in Mount Dora and surrounding schools.
Those who take the tour not only will get a chance to see each homeowner’s unique approach to the season, but live music will be performed at the homes by local students and musicians. Refreshments will be served at the historic Mount Dora Yacht Club, which is also part of the tour this year.
“Our fundraising throughout the year helps underwrite this scholarship program for local students of the arts with this being our main fundraising event,” said Sandie Moery, club president. “The amount of talent found in the young people of our local schools is amazing and 100 percent of the monies raised are for the future education of these very deserving students.”
A total of $16,000 was awarded to sophomore, junior and senior high-school students last year alone from the 100-plus member group’s efforts, committee membership dues, donations and other special events.
“It is always a guess as to the number of tickets that we sell at this event, but it is usually between 850 and 1,000,” Moery said. “We hope to do the same this year.”
Among the hosts are Ed and Peggy Bixby. Their home, which overlooks Lake Gertrude, is filled with greenery, poinsettias and a fun collection of Santa Clauses to highlight their woodsy setting in what they say is a “traditional Christmas theme that feels like you are in North Carolina.”
“Last year, 800 people came through the tour, and it is so gratifying to know the proceeds help such a good cause,” said Peggy Bixby, an Alabama native who has lived in Mount Dora for five years after marrying Ed Bixby, a Lake resident for more than 30 years. “It is great to participate in this and it is just jumpstarts the celebration of Christmas!”
Also on the tour is the home of Denise and Ralph Turgeon. Their Christmas tree is adorned with white teacups, saucers, white tulle and glittering silver snowflakes. They also have a huge collection of Christmas village pieces on display throughout the home.
As visitors travel from one home to another, they will also see a “Dr. Zhivago” style Christmas that highlights a beachy theme, old-fashioned themes combined with love for animals and Mother Nature, beautiful antiques and Christmas trees adorned in a variety of yuletide arrangements.
Tickets are $15 and are available at each home during tour hours. The homes are Denise and Ralph Turgeon, 9100 Laurel Ridge Drive; Suzy and Rex Arnold, 1761 Edgewater Drive; Mary and Nelson Smelker, 1561 Edgewater Drive; Donna and Glenn Brown, 3020 Palermo Court; Carla Pepperman and Gary Cooney, 2232 Dogwood Circle; and Peggy and Ed Bixby, 2309 Overlook Drive; Mount Dora Yacht Club, 351 W. Fourth Ave.