WESTFIELD-City residents who wish to share their love of home or its history with others are encouraged to consider becoming a part of the Dickens Days Historic House Tour on Dec. 3.
On Monday morning, committee members gathered at Westfield Creative Arts, also known as the “Rinnova building” on Elm Street, to discuss the latest logistics for the popular event which started in 2003 by the Westfield on Weekends (WOW) organization.
“The house tour is an event people are always asking about,” said Tania Vancini, who is chairing the event.
Organizers of the Westfield Dickens Days House Tour include Betty Faulhaber, Lori Price, Bob Plasse, Carol Saltus and Tania Vancini.
Following a hiatus of three years, the event was “reinvigorated” four years ago and will highlight eight homes as part of this year’s self-guided tour which begins at noon at Westfield Creative Arts.
Westfield Dickens Days encompasses several events, beginning on Nov. 25 with a Dickens Days Village Stroll from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., a Lantern Light Workshop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a Lantern Light Parade stepping off at 6:15 p.m. followed by the Mayor’s Tree Lighting ceremony. Also, the ninth annual Dickens Days Dinners are planned Dec. 8 and 9 with an interactive version of Dickens’ magical ‘A Christmas Carol,’ performed by WOW’s troupe of actors.
“We will have costumed greeters at the door of each home on the tour,” said Bob Plasse, adding that Westfield Creative Arts will become Mr. Schnitzel’s Holiday Market for the day. “Everyone is welcome to stop in and purchase merchandise on display.”
Applications are now online at www.westfieldonweekends.com for persons considering opening their home for the holiday celebration. The deadline is Oct. 31 to submit your name, address, telephone number and a short paragraph about your home to either [email protected] or [email protected]. Committee members reviewing requests include Vancini, Plasse, Carol Saltus, Lori Price, Betty Faulhaber, Andrea York and Ed Orgill.
If your home is among those chosen, committee members will set up a time to visit your home and explain the process of the day’s festivities.
Over the years Vancini noted that homeowners have been creative in their presentations – ranging from one woman who played the piano and attendees sang Christmas carols – to one family who had displayed 25 different themed Christmas trees.
“One home on this year’s tour is back by popular demand,” said Plasse, noting it will require everyone to ascend a “long flight of stairs.”
Also, Vancini said a protégé of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) had designed a home in the city which will be featured on the tour.
“The home is reflective of prairie-style architecture,” said Vancini, adding the home’s theme will be “A Classic Hollywood Holiday.”
“The homes that are chosen celebrate the holiday season,” added Price.
Vancini echoed those sentiments.
“The homes on the tour celebrate the season of giving and sharing,” said Vancini, noting that homes come in all shapes and sizes.
“Many of the homeowners also share culinary treats so it is a wonderful interactive day for everyone,” said Saltus.
Faulhaber concurred.
“It’s all about the spirit of the season,” said Faulhaber, who has also opened her home to tours in the recent past.
Tickets for the noon to 4 p.m. event will be available at the Westfield Athenaeum, online, and on the day of the event at Westfield Creative Arts. Tickets are $20 per person.
