(Le Mars) — A home built for the president of Westmar and a home which saw the rearing of 22 children, 17 of them being boys. These are facts about the houses featured this year on the Le Mars Tour of Homes.
Four home owners will open their doors this Saturday in Le Mars. Michael and Alissa Wells, and Rod and Carrie Petersen will show their homes on Central Avenue. Rob and Janelle Bixenman will open their doors on 9th Ave SW and Debi Douma on 4th Ave SW.
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Linda Mayrose is a part of the Historic Preservation Committee and has been involved with the tour in Le Mars since it began in 1996. She said the whole reason it began was to celebrate old homes and show that you don’t have to start over with a new structure, you can take care of the old.
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This years gems are all stately homes. According to Mayrose the tour normally features a grandious home, a bungalow style home and then some in the mid-range. This year, not only are all four houses grand, they also all have renovated kitchens.
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The event has grown over the last 15 years, with about 50 people touring the first year, and now more than 150 are expected.
Tours this year leave from the Art Center from 10am to 4pm. Mayrose explains the details.
Listen here
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There is a $10 charge per person to attend the Le Mars Tour of Homes this Saturday. Funds raised alternate supporting the Le Mars Arts Center and the Plymouth County Museum every other year.
The Douma Home
The Petersen Home
The Bixenman Home
The Wells Home
