6 FOCUS - SEPTEMBER 2018 The 2018 Port Perry Town & Country House Tour will go down in history as commemorative of the landmark 10th anniversary. This an- nual event, planned by the Port Perry and Prince Albert United Church Outreach Committee, will take place on Saturday, September 22, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. There are only 500 tickets available, at a cost of $25. per person. Over 400 people usually en- joy the tour, which is a fundraiser for worthy local charities. A friendly volunteer host greets visitors at the door, and then guides them through the house, pointing out special features and items of interest. The identity of the homes on the tour is kept secret until tickets are pur- chased. There’s a great variety again this year, said 2018 Co-chair Janice White. In the past, local people who own charming rural residences, restored century homes, and pictur- esque lakeside estates, have all opened their doors to the public. Janice says that people like to go on the tour with their friends to get home décor ideas, view the pretty gardens and landscap- ing, and simply have a memorable outing on a lovely fall day. At Port Perry United Church, mu- sic director Joan Bretney will play the pipe organ to serenade visitors there to admire the beautiful 100-year-old architecture. Complimentary refresh- ments including coffee, tea, and home- baked treats will be served at the House Tour Cafe in the auditorium. There will be an interesting slideshow in the church sanctuary, with photos depicting the history of the church and its successful outreach program. The first House Tour Chair, Bill Swan, met the challenge of organ- izing the premiere event in 2008. His first question was, “What’s a house tour?” Bill researched house tours online, and got guidance from the Uxbridge house tour committee, and put a plan together. After the concept was advertised and explained to peo- ple, it was all systems go. Over the past decade, 10 homeowners a year have graciously opened their doors for the annual tour. “This is such a supportive, giv- ing community,” commented Bill, who retired in Port Perry in June of 2007, along with his wife Rosemary. Houses from Past Tours IT’S LIKE A HOME AND GARDEN MAGAZINE COME TO LIFE! A pleasant outing with your friends, touring beautiful homes, stopping by the church to enjoy tea and scones and live music… what could be a nicer way to spend a Saturday in September?