The 15th annual Sugar Plum Tour drew more than 1,200 people in the holiday spirit Sunday afternoon, viewing homes decked out in Christmas finery. Steve Williams chaired the event, which benefits the Gay Community Endowment Fund of the Akron Community Foundation.
Procurement Chair Eric Jones said the homeowners stepped up with outstanding decorations. Jones, who has procured homes for the tour for all 15 years, confided he is already looking for next year’s.
Christmas tunes by pianist Josh Ice emanated from the charming Ozzie and Harriet-style home of Andrew Kyprianou and Brian Rodabaugh, filled with antiques from family members.
“Brian does all the decorating,” said his proud mother, Tammy Beidelschies, as she admired Christmas trees with his grandparents, Ken and Janice Wright.
“This is gorgeous,” exclaimed Jen Hale to Sally Leister as they toured a blue bedroom trimmed with white animals and photos of 19th-century homes on Cleveland’s Millionaire’s Row. Her mother, Anna Hale, liked the dark gray “cracked peppercorn paint” in the master suite.
Julie Miller’s collection of art, including a 1987 Rolling Stones poster, was on display in her condo which she has renovated, opening up spaces for a contemporary vibe. Architect Doug Swartz admired the vintage bathroom as he toured with his dad, Jim Swartz, and his sister, Kim.
Alice Christie has delved into the history of her 1887 farm home. “At one time this property stretched from Portage Path all the way to the Cuyahoga River,” she told Justine Fiehn and Joann Fortenbauch.
Joe Moseley, who came from Grosse Pointe, Mich., for the tour, admired the bear cub Christmas tree holder, while Christine Meeker and Pat Shank liked the dining room table set for Christmas dinner with Wedgwood china.
The aroma of Christmas cookies drew guests to the home of Kate Raymond and Michelle Krocker. Krocker’s mother, Cecelia, and her friend baked over 100 dozen cookies for the event. Her sister-in-law, Carey Krocker, and her son Carson along with niece Evelyn Burdfall invited guests to enjoy cookies on the patio.
Love of animals was apparent at the home of Brian and Georjette Thomas, from the Christmas tree in the foyer to the doggie place cards on the dining room table. Paula Danish served Jell-O shots and Irish coffee to Dee and Jeff Lowery, while Sue Lynch sold raffle tickets.
Jeff and Linda Shackelford welcomed guests to their home in Hudson for the Patrons Party. Their son, Michael, and his wife, Gretta, joined in the celebration. Audrey and Ed Kamcler and Bill and Maria Libby admired the Christmas clock.
Eric and Marlene Czetli enjoyed the signature drink served from an ice luge, along with Matt and Lisa Kulig, Tom and Mary Ann Jackson, Guy and Rene Pipitone, Tim Prinz, Paul Barthalow, Eric Lutzo and George Robles.