By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – The Columbiana Beautification Board will welcome the Christmas season with its 10th annual tour of homes Dec. 3.

This year, the Christmas Tour of Homes features five Columbiana homes of various decorative styles, from antique to contemporary.

“Attendees will see the various homes that are decorated, the different styles they have and start off the Christmas season,” said Ouida Mayfield, who is a tour chair along with Dr. Stancil Handley. “The theme is Christmas gatherings in Columbiana.”

The proceeds from tickets will be put back into the city for beautification projects, Mayfield said. She said the board used the money in the past to redo the shrubbery around the city’s welcome signs, purchase the “keep Columbiana clean” signs and fit the city with Christmas decorations and lights.

“We ask people if they would be willing for their home to be placed on the tour. If there were too many, people would not be able to get around to them,” Mayfield said.

Joan and Milton Pointer will rejoin the tour this year, as their house was showcased in 1999. The first time, the Pointers had recently moved to the area.

“When I first moved here, I didn’t know many people,” Joan Pointer said. “I think the people in Columbiana are the nicest and finest people I’ve ever been around.”

Pointer said her home is filled with antique collections.

“I love for people to come in the home because it’s full of antiques and interesting things,” she said. “I’ve been decorating since the first of November to get everything in order. I’ll really be frenzied the week before the tour.

“I collect a lot of different antiques,” she added. “I enjoy looking at them myself. Everything I have is an antique, except the sofa and things like that. It’s a look and a feel when you collect; something just speaks to you.”

The tour will also include Corley and Julie Ellis’ home, now in its second stage of restoration. Zack and Brandi Kellis, Cindy Kelly and Richard and Leigh Williams will open their homes to visitors, as well.

The tour will take place Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets cost $10 in advance and $12 at the door of any of the tour locations on the day of the tour. To purchase tickets in advance, visit Dr. Stancil Handley’s office, Busy Hands Framing and Gifts, Anita’s Creations or any member of the beautification board.

To continue with the theme of Christmas gatherings in Columbiana, the Columbiana Christmas parade will be held Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. on Main Street. Anyone interested in being in the parade should contact Ouida Mayfield at 669-7813.