Sweet stop on tour
Cakes by Beth, located at 32 Front Street in Finch, was one of five stops of interest during the 2019 Touch of Christmas Country House Tour. There were plenty of items to satisfy any sweet tooth. Owner Beth Read said they were having “a great time” during the event. From the left: Shannon Welch, Beth Read and Samantha Read are shown with some of the tasty treats available for purchase. Thompson Goddard photo

CHESTERVILLE – The sun was shining, the roads were clear as participants in the annual “Touch of Christmas” Country House Tour roamed throughout North Stormont on Dec. 7. 

The event, which has become a Christmas tradition for many, is an exciting way to raise funds for North Stormont Place in Avonmore. “We are very pleased with the day,” said organizer Nancy Wert. After the event, she told The Chesterville Record that approximately $5500 was raised in 2019 (before expenses).

For 14 years, the tour has provided participants with an opportunity to spend a day touring homes decorated for the holiday season and visiting stops of interest, where Christmas gifts or treats can be purchased. This year, there were five homes and five stops of interest on the tour, with Roxborough Bus Lines once again providing a complimentary bus.

One of the stops of interest was the annual Avonmore Christmas Arts and Craft Show held at Tagwi Secondary School. The craft show, which ran on both Dec. 7 and Dec. 8, is a fundraiser for the Roxborough Agricultural Society. There was a steady stream of customers visiting the show, which provided an opportunity to purchase a unique Christmas gift for the people on your list. 

New this year was story time with Santa followed by a photo opportunity with the Jolly Old Elf himself, thanks to a partnership between the Roxborough Agricultural Society and the Avonmore Community Athletic Association. According to ACAA member Carrie Couturier, the visit from Santa was a lot of fun. Families were “excited to see Santa,” who read “The Night Before Christmas” and took a walk around the craft fair.

Once again Nancy Wert, her organizing team, Roxborough Bus Lines and those who opened their doors to participants in the Touch of Christmas Country House Tour provided a fun-filled holiday experience.  Wert summed it up best: “The success of the 14th edition of the Touch of Christmas Country House Tour, once again lies with the gracious host and hostesses who opened their beautifully decorated homes and welcomed us in to enjoy warm and inviting country hospitality while experiencing their Touch of Christmas.”