'Holiday Tour of Homes' event returns to Laurel

2 days ago

WDAM

LAUREL, Miss. (WDAM) - A holiday tradition is finally making its way back to Laurel since before the pandemic.

The Laurel and Jones County Council of Garden Clubs is bringing back the “Holiday Tour of Homes” event Sunday, Dec. 8.

With support from sponsors and the county, organizers have been looking to make it a great Christmas gift.

“It’s been a tradition for a long time and I’m happy that we’re resuming that tradition,” said June Wheeler, Laurel and Jones County Council of Garden Clubs president.

Wheeler said folks will tour five homes on Sixth Avenue through Eighth North Avenue in downtown Laurel that were built in the early 1900s.

“We have a variety of architectural styles,” Wheeler said. “We have Colonial, Italian Renaissance, Louisiana style and bungalows.

“They’re beautiful homes and they’ve maintained the architectural detail through the years and the updates.”

Folks also will tour First Trinity Presbyterian Church.

The church was built in 1925 in honor of Lauren Rogers, who died in 1921.

“It’s a Gothic Revival,” Wheeler said. “You can tell by the arches and there’s arches through the church.”

However, the revived tour isn’t just about the history of homes. With the money raised from the event, the council will be able to provide grants to help refurbish parks in Jones County, including Mason Park, Gardiner Park and some in downtown Laurel.

“There’s a lot of things that need to be done,” said Wheeler. “All the parks work together to enhance the beautification of the parks and we’ve done beautification downtown.”

The event runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and will start at First Trinity Presbyterian Church.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Patina’s and Southern Antiques in downtown Laurel as well as online.

Want more WDAM 7 news in your inbox? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.