The Holiday Tour of Homes is going dashing through the Dunes again to showcase festive decor at five homes.
The last time the tour featured homes in the planned community was in 2012, which was the year Big Brothers Big Sisters of Siouxland became the beneficiary of the popular fundraiser, started by the local Red Cross chapter 25 years ago.
The annual event brought in about $50,000 for the nonprofit youth mentoring organization last year, making it its largest fundraiser.
Three days of festivities begin Nov. 19. Daily tours depart from the Dakota Dunes Country Club, at 960 Dakota Dunes Blvd. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for refreshments, complete their registration and browse silent auction items.
Tickets are $25, $30, $35 or $40, depending on the tour time selected. High traffic times include 9:30 and 10:15 a.m., 1:15 and 2 p.m., and, of course, evening tours starting at 5 p.m.
Up to 54 people can fit on a bus, but the average tour size is about 30.
Lunch will be provided for guests purchasing tickets for 11:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Every year, local restaurants donate food for a buffet-style lunch. In the past, they’ve received food from Outback Steakhouse, Olive Garden, Chick-fil-A, Zoup! and Famous Dave’s.
Organizers also expect to go through about 15 gallons of coffee and cider over three days, plus dozens of cookies and baked goods from Sugar Shack Bakery, the Pastry Parlor and other donors.
One of the most challenging parts of putting on this event – and perhaps the biggest – is finding five homeowners who are willing to open their homes to the masses and live out of a hotel for a few days, according to development director Mike Skaggs.
“You’re asking people to make a huge commitment,” he said. “Everybody loves to have their home decorated. That’s really cool. But you’re letting these designers come in and pretty much take your home over for a week or so leading up to the tour. Then you’re taking yourself, your spouse, your kids and you’re moving them out for four days so 1,300 to 1,500 people can walk through your home.
“To get someone to say yes the first time you talk to them is very tough because of all those things.”
In the end, five homeowners, over 150 volunteers and countless gifts in kind are brought together to help Big Brothers Big Sisters continue programming and making connections for almost 400 children in Siouxland.
9 things to know before you go
1. Arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled tour.
2. A complete tour may last up to three hours.
3. Tickets must be completely filled out and turned in before boarding the bus to begin your tour.
4. Be prepared to walk indoors, outdoors and navigate steps while on the tour.
5. You will be asked to remove your shoes upon entering a home on the tour. It’s advised to wear a style of shoe that’s easy to slip on and off.
6. No children will be allowed on the tour. Participants must be 16 or older.
7. Photos and videos are not permitted to be taken while on the tour. This includes taking photos and video with a cell phone.
8. In the case of inclement weather or a missed bus, refunds will not be issued. There is no guarantee your tour will be rescheduled.
9. Tickets are nonrefundable and cannot be exchanged.
