was to do 10. And, we have a record number this year; we have 12.” Some homeowners volunteer to showcase their homes, while other homes are recruited by personal invitation from the chair of the home tour, or a home tour committee member. “We have reached out to some people and asked them if they would like to participate, but that is less then half of the 12,” Janssen says. Businesses located on Marine Avenue, the island’s main thoroughfare, also participate in the holiday home tour by offering special items and discounts to home tour participants. “This year we a have a new business, and it’s a mermaid shop, where kids can dress up as mermaids,” Janssen says, referring to Once Upon An Island at 118 Agate Avenue. “They are going to be on the tour, decorated in the holiday theme, and I think that will be a great draw.” Musical groups are also hired to perform in some of the homes and at least one residence this year will feature a live Santa Claus. Home tours of Christmas past have included performances by the Balboa Bachelors, Sweet Adelines and the St. John Viannay Choir. Each guest is provided with a map and a list of the houses on the tour, though there is no set route for the tour, as guests are encouraged to explore freely. “You can start on the West end or you can start on the East end, whichever is your preference,” Janssen says. “It actually works better that way because it doesn’t seem to get backed up as much.” Usually, only a portion of the home is opened for viewing, and a number of volunteer docents are assigned to each home, depending on its size. The head docent and the committee chair meet with each homeowner to determine the traffic pattern through the home, as well as establish any “off limits” areas within the home. The head docent also holds an orientation in the homes before the event to familiarize the team with the houses. “The docents have information about each home and are able to explain the features of the home,” says Janssen.
BALBOA ISLAND HOLIDAY HOME TOUR PROPERTIES
127 Onyx 127 Agate A 127 Agate B 538 South Bay Front 213 Topaz 122 Agate 118 Agate 222 Sapphire 498 Park Avenue 313 Amethyst 204 Amethyst 118 Apolena
BALBOA ISLAND HOLIDAY HOME TOUR
Sunday, December 13, 2015, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call the Balboa Island Improvement Association at 949.675.1773 or visit MyBIIA.com.
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December 2015 | Newport Beach Lifestyle
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