The Saugeen Times

Ripley Christmas Tour of Homes slated for this Sunday
By Liz Dadson

Huron-Kinloss news

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A beautiful Christmas display sits in front of a window at the home of Cherie and Sean Johnson, 25 Railway Street, Ripley, as decorated by IC Greenhouses

Kincardine Home Hardware uses ribbon and greenery to decorate the stairway railing at the home of Ainslie Martyn and Gary McDonell, 5 McGill Street, Ripley

If you're not in the Christmas holiday-decorating spirit yet, pick up your ticket to the Ripley Christmas Tour of Homes and you'll soon be singing Christmas carols and digging out the boxes of lights and decorations.

Or maybe investing in some new ones - decorations, that is.

Slated for Sunday, Nov. 13, afternoon and evening, the tour provides a glimpse into seven Ripley-area homes, plus the Huron-Kinloss municipal office, all decked out in their Christmas finery as decorated by local businesses.

The home of Cherie and Sean Johnson, 25 Railway Street, Ripley, will display the design and decorations of IC Greenhouses of Huron-Kinloss Township. The Johnsons' neo-colonial-style, two-storey house was built in 2009 and custom-designed to suit both a family and retirement, with spacious main floor living and three additional bedrooms. The focal points are the 20-foot ceilings and walnut Juliette balcony overlooking the living room.

Ida Piel (L) and Judie Burns of IC Greenhouses finish decorating this Christmas tree in the Johnsons' home

Shirley Hartwick of IC Greenhouses holds up a wreath in the beautifully-decorated dining room

A delightful Christmas arrangement

IC Greenhouses also decorated the Huron-Kinloss Township council chamber at the township office, 21 Queen Street, Ripley, where people can stop in and enjoy baked goods, apple cider and wine ($3/glass). The hall was built in1909 and has been used extensively through the years for Sunday School concerts, plays, dances, card games, meetings, family gatherings and for the fall fair. In 1997, Huron Township renovated the building and put an addition on the east side to accommodate the municipal office and council chamber. In 1999, Huron Township amalgamated with Kinloss Township and Lucknow to become Huron-Kinloss Township.

IC Greenhouses decorated the Christmas tree at the municipal office

The home of Kathleen and Greg Ackert, 38 Huron Street, Ripley, has been decorated by Jerome Flowers and Gifts of Kincardine. This bungalow was built in the spring of 1959 by John and June Dodds. The Ackerts bought the house in October, 2009, and recently held their wedding in the beautiful back yard.

Quinn Florist of Kincardine and The Glass Hummingbird of Ripley joined forces to decorate the home of Joye Hunt, 27 Railway Street, Ripley. This small, modern house was built in 2008 by John Ball Carpentry, and is perfect for retirement or a professional couple. Hunt has moved her personal studio, The Glass Hummingbird, into the adjacent workshop.

The home of Gail (Tranter) and Bob Lock, 8 Queen Street, Ripley, has been decorated by Hodgins Home Hardware in Lucknow and Lucknow Pharmasave. This stately Queen Anne-style house was built in 1890. The Locks purchased the home in 2004 from Bill and Lila Tranter's estate. A small addition was built by DWB Armstrong Carpentry in 2008. The Locks continue to update this beautiful century home.

The Village Flower Shop and Dalton Pottery, both of Ripley, have decorated the home of Nicole and Kent Liddle, 12 McGill Street, Ripley. In 1975, this house was built by Don and Anne MacTavish who, in 2007, sold their home to Kent, their grandson. Since then, the Liddles have been busy renovating and Nicole is proud to say, "Kent has done an excellent job turning his house into our home."

The home of Tracy and Jack Meurs, 2206 Concession 4, Huron-Kinloss Township, has been decorated by Everlastings Flowers and Gifts of Lucknow. This home was built in the early 1900s. As the owner of Everlastings in Lucknow for almost 19 years, Tracy has added much-needed character and warmth to what began as a simple concrete house. After 21 years of renovations, the home is unrecognizable from its early beginnings.

The home tour runs Sunday, Nov. 13, 1-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Tickets are available at IC Greenhouses, 519-395-3610, Kincardine Home Hardware, 519-396-2032, or the Huron-Kinloss municipal office, 519-395-3735, or they can be picked up at the municipal office the day of the event.

Kincardine Home Hardware has decorated the home of Ainslie Martyn and Gary McDonell at 5 McGill Street in Ripley. The couple purchased this quaint century home in 2007. The first registered owner dates back to 1888 when the houses at 7 McGill and 5 McGill were attached; the houses were separated in 1927. The house was extensively renovated, including an addition, in the fall of 2010 by Steve Beisel Contracting.