“It’s the spirit of the season,” said Estelle Dalton, the homeowner.
This year, Estelle and her husband George are opening their door to a Christmas house tour.
“We have an open door policy. We love when people just stop in and visit, so we’re very excited about the tour,” said Estelle.
Estelle is the chair of the Eptek Art and Culture Centre Board of Directors and is the show runner of the Christmas house tours.
“We have two fundraisers a year and I thought house tours would be a great idea.
“Some were skeptical that it wouldn’t go over well, but we have five houses participating in the tours and everyone is looking forward to it.”
After the tours, participants can meet back at the Eptek Centre and walk around the First World War inspired Christmas tree and display and have tea and coffee and desserts.
“Eptek has a First World War exhibit on display at the time of the tours, so we decided that would be the inspiration for the Christmas decorations.
“We’ve made decorations out of brown paper that would be similar to what they had and icicles out of tinfoil because it looks similar to the wrapping from their cigarette cartridges,” said Estelle.
“It’s the spirit of the season,” said Estelle Dalton, the homeowner.
This year, Estelle and her husband George are opening their door to a Christmas house tour.
“We have an open door policy. We love when people just stop in and visit, so we’re very excited about the tour,” said Estelle.
Estelle is the chair of the Eptek Art and Culture Centre Board of Directors and is the show runner of the Christmas house tours.
“We have two fundraisers a year and I thought house tours would be a great idea.
“Some were skeptical that it wouldn’t go over well, but we have five houses participating in the tours and everyone is looking forward to it.”
After the tours, participants can meet back at the Eptek Centre and walk around the First World War inspired Christmas tree and display and have tea and coffee and desserts.
“Eptek has a First World War exhibit on display at the time of the tours, so we decided that would be the inspiration for the Christmas decorations.
“We’ve made decorations out of brown paper that would be similar to what they had and icicles out of tinfoil because it looks similar to the wrapping from their cigarette cartridges,” said Estelle.
“And I’m sure they had lot’s of cigarette cartridges,” added George.
He continued, “The essence is the spirit of Christmas. During the war they were able to call a ceasefire and celebrate the holiday, that is something we should all remember.”
Estelle added, “It was hard to get people to see it wasn’t a sad theme. It represents sharing and that they were able to celebrate the holiday at that time.”
Each individual house has no designated theme, said George.
“It’s open to interpretation. It’s kind of a nostalgic tour. All of the houses participating represent a wide base of the houses in the city.”
Christmas is Estelle’s favourite time of year. Her favourite decoration was a gift from her son and daughter-in-law.
“I love the carolers,” she said as she pointed to the display, “They mean so much and they show how much I love Christmas.”
The house tours take place on Dec. 4 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. with tickets being sold at Eptek Art and Culture Centre and Rose Cottage antiques for $12 each.
What houses are part of the tour?
- 458 Central Street
-288 Notre Dame Street
-227 Notre Dame Street
-161 Fitzroy Street
-286 Fitzroy Street
