For almost 20 years now December in Atmore has meant the arrival of the annual Tour of Homes, presented by the Grand Ole Dames of the Atmore Garden Club.

This year the tradition continued as the tour took sightseers to six area homes Sunday afternoon.

Frances Earline Odom, a director for the event, said everything about the day was perfect.

“We had a wonderful tour,” Odom said. “We had a great crowd. I would say over 100 people. The weather was beautiful and all of the homeowners did such a wonderful job.”

Levice Haynie, also a director for the tour, said it is always satisfying to see local people open their homes to the community.

“Having the opportunity to work in these homes of our neighbors was quite a treat,” Haynie said. “Those who shared their homes with the community should be proud of themselves for doing great jobs in creating holiday magic in the comfort of their houses.”

The six homes featured on this year’s tour included: Larry and Betty Houck, 1519 Grubbs St.; Shep and Jan Marsh, 1236 Forest Hills Drive; PeeWee and Ann Powell, 1835 Dogwood Drive; Roy and Peggy Rowley, 801 S. Pensacola Ave.; Shane Hadley, Presley Street; and James and Cindy Lee, 536 Airport Road.

As a crowd shuffled from home to home Sunday, they were treated to creative decorations at each home as well as holiday snacks and plenty of good conversation.

Haynie said the social interaction the tour causes is just as important as the homes and decorations.

“Residents not only have the opportunity to see creative holiday decorations created by several talented residents, but they also get to meet many intriguing people with many stories to tell,” Haynie said.

Both Haynie and Odom said one of the most special aspects of the Tour of Homes is that all of the money it generates stays in the Atmore community.

“The money raised through ticket sales will go to a charity in the community that the garden club donates to,” Haynie explained.

This year the funds generated by the tour will go to benefit the Atmore Area Christian Care Ministries food bank.

Odom and Haynie said the Grand Ole Dames would like to say a very special to the homeowners, businesses and participants who made this year’s Tour of Homes a glaring success.