Columbiana is blessed to have many wonderful events to celebrate the Christmas Season.

On Saturday, Dec. 4, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. is the Columbiana Tour of Homes, presented by the Columbiana Beautification Board.

It will feature six homes: Laura and Ray Argo, 821 Ferry Road; Julie and Corley Ellis, 315 Thompson Street; Emily and Larry Gravitt, 117 Bolton Lane; Kim and Mike Hale, 112 Bolton Lane; Taylor and Scott Owen, Mildred Street; and Avery and Chris Rhodes, 1171 Chelsea Road.

The tour is the main fundraiser whose projects have enriched Columbiana with restoration of the Boy Scout gazebo (pictured); Eagle Department Store mural; Columbiana Leader Store mural; Columbiana lamp posts banners and Christmas garlands; downtown roof holiday lights and more.

Co-chairs are City Council members Ouida Mayfield and Dr. Stancil Handley. Beth Glasgow is the board chair and current members are: Loretta Argo, Jan Beane, Judy Dudley, Joyce Etress, Diane Moore, Phillip Willis, Mayfield, and Handley.

Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door and can be purchased at Handley’s office, Busy Hands and the Shelby County Museum.

After enjoying the tour, come downtown at 1 p.m. and watch the talented Elvin Hill Community Education Dancers perform.

The Christmas Parade will follow at 1 p.m.

The parade is sponsored by the City of Columbiana and the Merchants and Professional Association. For the last six years it has been co-chaired by Mayfield and Assistant Fire Chief Jerry Lamb. Trophies will be given for Grand Champion, Best Christmas Theme, Most Christmas Spirit and Most Original.

The Holiday Artist Market will coincide on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Shelby County Arts Council at 104 Mildred St.

It is free and will feature homemade goods and art by local artists including pottery, paintings, jewelry, crafts, baked goods and more.

On Sunday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m., the Columbiana United Methodist Church will present the cantata, The Winter Rose, for its Hanging of the Greens service.

An orchestra will accompany the choir, led by the Rev. Nic Patterson, music director, for a musical delight to get you into the Christmas spirit. The event is free.

The First Baptist Church of Columbiana will present its dinner theater, “Be Not Afraid,” led by Music Director Charles Powell, on Dec. 9-12.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the church, 669-3128. On Christmas Eve, the church will present a very special service at 5:30 p.m. The event is free.

Phoebe Donald Robinson can be reached by e–mail at phoeberobinson@bellsouth.net.