West Side Home Tour returns for 20th yearDate: 11/23/2016 WEST SPRINGFIELD – A Christmas tradition continues in West Side for the 20th year.
On Dec. 3, seven homeowners will open their doors and show how they decorated their homes for the holidays for the 20th Annual Holiday Tour of Homes. The event is a major fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of West Springfield.
John O’ Farrell, the director of Development for the club, explained to Reminder Publications, “The homeowners volunteer to do this out of the goodness of their hearts and in support of the club.”
He added the event draws people from around the region.
This year, seven homeowners will be participating, O’Farrell said. Usually the number is between six and eight.
Area florists, this year including Durocher Florist, The Flower Stop, Floral Concepts by Tom, Flowers by Webster & Western Growers, donate arrangements to the participating homeowners, who are on their own to create the decorations in their homes.
“The creativity and the design are all their own,” O’Farrell said.
He noted that last year, one home featured 20 differently decorated Christmas trees, while another had life-sized nutcrackers.
The tour is from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and O’Farrell noted the Monte Carlo restaurant, not normally open for lunch, is open with a luncheon buffet for the people on the tour between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The cost of the lunch is $15 per person and includes tax and gratuity, with $1 from every meal being donated directly to the club.
O’Farrell said there is no set order for visiting the homes and many people will visit several in the morning, break for lunch and then finish the tour in the afternoon.
The cost of the tour is $20 and tickets are on sale now in West Springfield at the Boys and Girls Club on Main St., Durocher Florist, Flowers by Webster, Northeast Security Solutions, Partners at the Cup, West Springfield Federal Credit Union and Sorrento Pizza; in Agawam at Cooper’s and Floral Concepts by Tom, and in Feeding Hills at Partners Restaurant. Tickets will also be available in Westfield at the Pilgrim Candle Company and will have their candles available for sale at each of the homes on Dec. 3.
The tour supports the club’s many activities for youth, including before and after school programs at four elementary schools, as well as at the Club, a middle school drop in program at the club and vacation, early school release and summer day camp programs.
The club’s executive director, Dan D’Angelo, said, “We are very excited about our 20th Annual Tour of Homes event and want to thank all those throughout the community that have all lent a helping hand in making this event possible. From the homeowners, to our sponsors, to local businesses and the tireless efforts of our committee and board volunteers, we are truly grateful for their continued support and generosity. We invite everyone to join us for the Tour on Saturday, Dec. 3 and look forward to a great day in support of local youth and families this holiday season.”
For more information contact the club at 736-1831 or visit www.wsbgclub.org.
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