‘Take a Bite Out of Christmas’ tours return

One of the newest additions last year to the Christmas in Montrose celebration was a Progressive Hayride which made five stops among the many lovely homes decorated for the holidays.  Tickets were required for the visitors who were welcomed by the homeowners, given some historical facts about their homes, entertained with music, and served delicious food. 

The event was received with such favorable response from the public that it has grown to an even bigger and better event for this year.

There will be five Friday night tours available this year for adults only and you must be 21 years or older to participate.  The tours are a ticket only event and will kick off this year’s celebration the first weekend in December. 

Tour #1 will be the Historic Lake Avenue and More Tour with one at 5 PM and another at 6 PM similar to last year’s tour but to different homes.  Participants will begin at the old Jail and board the Hay Wagon with Christmas Lights and ride up and around Lake Avenue and beyond stopping to visit homes, hear a bit of history and enjoy special food and drinks.  The hosts will share stories and keep you singing as you make your way from house to house which includes a special trip to the “Top of Montrose.”

Tour #2 will be a onetime History Mystery Christmas Tour which begins at 5 PM at the Historical Society Museum where participants will step back in time and become one of Montrose’s famous citizens of the 1850’s.  They will stroll up and down the avenue to hear stories, learn about the town’s history and gather clues in an attempt to solve the unsolved mystery.  This is a strolling tour so dress appropriately.  Participants will enjoy dinner served at the Temperance Table Restaurant.

Tour #3 is the Silver Bells Historic Church Tour with one at 5 PM and one at 6 PM which begins at the Montrose Bible Conference where parking is available.  Participants will hop on the “Church Bus” and experience church in a whole new way!  They will take a ride through the local church history and visit several of the area churches and former meeting grounds, while listening to stories of history, mystery and more.  Enjoy special food, music and even an old-fashioned tent meeting.  A variety of hosts will walk participants through the history of the buildings, its parishioners, and rich beginnings.  The tour will end at the RL Torrey home back at the Bible Conference. 

Each of the five tours is limited to 25 and all tours are a rain or snow event so participants should dress warm and appropriately for the weather.  Watch for more details on the Christmas in Montrose Facebook Page and website and be prepared because tickets sell out quickly.  Thanks to a host of volunteers and generous sponsors, Christmas in Montrose has grown each year but continues to maintain the old-fashioned Christmas Village atmosphere.