Building on the success of last year’s event, which sold out, Steve and Kath Rose are again opening their wonderful home, The Cedars, for a Christmas Tour and Tea on Sunday, Dec. 4, starting at 1 p.m.
A fundraiser for Alderson Main Street, the timed entries will be at 1, 2:15, 3:30 and 4:45 p.m. Timed tickets are available for $12 from Bridge Walk Shops and the Visitors Center in Alderson.
The Roses have been working hard over the last year to make changes to The Cedars. The kitchen was torn off and completely rebuilt by son-in-law Austin Nichols. While the whole project is still a “work in progress,” visitors will see a lot of progress from last year.
Because an English Tea, with small sandwiches and sweets, will be served in the ballroom as part of the event, visitors are urged to purchase their $12 tickets in advance to ensure entry at their preferred time. The event consists of a tour of the house, dressed for Christmas in Kath’s signature style, followed, in the ballroom, by tea and a special musical performance.
Kath Rose has been planning this tour and tea in her mind since the huge success of last year’s event. She said, “I have found more tea cups and have a whole new decorating plan for the ball room. Just wait until you see my ‘package trees.’ This year we will put the tea cakes and sandwiches on the tables and serve the tea which may make it easier for some of our guests.”
Many other events will be taking place in Alderson this weekend starting on Friday, Dec. 2: a bonfire just west of the Historic 1896 C&O Depot beginning at 5 p.m.; the Annual Christmas Parade lineup beginning at 6 p.m. and the parade and Grand Illumination starting at 7 p.m.
The parade will travel through the historic downtown of Alderson before proceeding across the Alderson Memorial Bridge where the Queen of the Lights will wave her magic wand illuminating the bridge. The parade will end at the Alderson Community Center for the Arts and Humanities where the young and young-at-heart will be able to visit with Santa and have a treat.
Alderson’s shops including the Artisan’s Gallery; Wolf Creek Gallery; Bridge Walk Shops; and the historic Alderson’s Store will be open for Christmas shopping on Friday night until 8 p.m.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday; and on Sunday from 1-5 p.m. The Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church will hold its Annual Bazaar on Saturday from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 3 p.m. In addition to craft items, the Bazaar offers a soup, sandwich and dessert lunch for $6 on both days. A model train show; Guided Walking Tours of Alderson’s historic properties; a chili dinner at the Alderson Volunteer Fire Department; a community sing; and a cantata are all taking place in December.
Tickets for the tour, tea, and special music at The Cedars are available from the Alderson Visitor Center, Bridge Walk Shops (Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.), and Alderson Main Street members. Call 304-646-9199 for more information.
