Jackson's traditional Christmas Home Tour is branching out into Cape Girardeau this season.
The 2002 Home Tour hosted by Jackson's Swim Team will include three Jackson houses, two Cape Girardeau homes and one Jackson church.
Held from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, the 30-year-old tour will again feature a musical program performed at the First General Baptist Church.
Tickets for the home tour may be purchased in Jackson at Country Mart, Pioneer Market, Horst Drug Store, Jones Drug Store and the Union Planters Bank on High Street and Main. In Cape Girardeau, tickets are available at Schnucks.
Tickets cost $5 advance and $6 at the door of any home or church on the tour. A map to all tour sites is on the back of each ticket. You may begin your tour at any house and proceed in any order.
Kevin and Debbie Schearf
Jackson
The Jackson Swim Team is delighted to feature the home of Kevin and Debbie Schearf. Many around town know this house as the "Halloween House" because of the full-size figures peering out of every window during Halloween.
The Schearfs have meticulously and painstakingly restored their house to its 1900 appearance. During the holiday tour, Victorian Christmas music will play from a Regina music box to fill the home's spacious rooms.
The house's Victorian flare for the formal shows up in the dining room. Tour organizers describe the rich burgundy and gold tones with additional cornice work as stunningly beautiful.
Angie and Larry Hayes
Jackson
Angie and Larry Hayes moved to their Heavenly Acres home two years ago as they searched for and found serenity on their six-acre site.
The house, a cedar post and beam, has a great room where western decor shines through the warmth of Christmas lights. Over the wide-screen television is a Christmas Village original to the house and custom designed by Larry.
Up the stairwell, western decor gives way to country Victorian. Look for Angie's porcelain doll collection and roses throughout the room.
Brenda and Barry Randolph
Cape Girardeau
After moving to the area three years ago, Brenda and Barry Randolph enjoy their new home at Highway 177 in Green Hills.
The Randolphs' Christmas tree is Victorian, though the colors throughout the house are pastels, mint green, mauve and dusty rose. A "Winter Wonderland" display in the china cabinet includes Redlin collectibles and matching ornaments.
The living room is decorated with greens and highlighted with a large-screen TV and see-through fireplace.
Look for a 7-foot tree in the sunroom, the highlight of the main floor.
Dee Dee and Brad Stevens
Cape Girardeau
As you enter the foyer of the Stevens' home, you see the first of 40 Christmas trees decorated for the holidays. This 10-foot tree is decorated in the mauves and silver of Victorian days.
A Santa Claus Christmas tree sets off the living room, and yards and yards of greenery show a winter wonderland in every corner.
The tree in the dining room is decorated in candy canes that bring out dark rose and sage highlights of the room.
Each upstairs bedroom has a Christmas tree with decorations to match the decor of the child who sleeps there.
Oliver House
Jackson
It is special treat to see the 1881 Oliver House decorated for Christmas.
As you enter the house, you'll be greeted by a Jackson Heritage Association member who will try to answer any questions visitors may have about Senator and Mrs. Oliver as well as the other families who have owned this house.
The decorated trees in the house were designed by Phyllis Seabaugh, including the Victorian tree in the music room.
The entry hall and stairwell glow with Christmas hospitality, and the Missouri state flag in the foyer reminds visitors that Mrs. Oliver designed the flag of our state.
First General Baptist Church
Jackson
The musical program of the Home Tour is always a highlight. Musicians and singers from Cape Girardeau and Jackson will delight the listener to music of the holiday as well as pop tunes.
Pastor Luther Rhodes of First General Baptist will be playing the piano throughout the day. The Flute Choir of Southeast Missouri state will perform for the fifth year. Listen to the glorious Jackson High School Bell choir and don't miss "Boys 6." A special treat will be gospel music from the Fortner family, Paul, Cheryl, James and Aaron.
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