The Great House Hunt of 2018 is On

Q&A of Having a House in the Holiday Home Tour

One of the area’s prime Holiday events—the Friends of the Rochester Hills Public Library Holiday Home Tour—is looking for homes to be included in this year’s tour.

The program is set for Sunday, December 9, from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m.—prime time for drawing holiday-oriented eyes. Tickets are sold in advance and patrons get a map to drive to the open houses during tour hours.

Organizers are looking for homes that are attractively decked out indoors for year-end celebrations with owners willing to show off their Yuletide treasures for all to see.

Homes should be located in the communities the library serves — Rochester, Rochester Hills, and Oakland Township. Here are some frequently asked questions about event participation:

Q – Why participate?

A- It is a great way to give back to the library, a great community treasure. All proceeds from the event go directly to the library.

Q – How is the home’s flooring/carpeting protected?

A – All participants are given shoe coverings or remove shoes upon entering.

Q – How is parking handled?

A – Friends volunteers help direct visitors at each site, when necessary.

Q – Do decorations have to be elaborate? 

A – The majority of the homes display their family treasures. Many use the event to show off special ornaments or collections of holiday wares. Simply put, we’re looking for homes with eye-catching displays of seasonal themes. Think about it this way: Over the years, how many times have you gone all out for the holidays and are told people outside your friends and family would love to see and enjoy it? This is a chance for that to happen.

Q – Who is there to talk to visitors and move them through?

A – The Friends group provides docents for each home. These docents are briefed on the home’s attractions and are diligent about watching and protecting each decorated home. The Friends provide insurance coverage. There has never been a loss incident in the event’s long history.

Those interested in being a tour participant can call the Friends Event line 248-650-7176 to leave their name and phone number. A committee member will reply promptly.