BY MICHELLE KEY
PUBLISHER
OPELIKA — The Victorian Front Porch Tour (VFPT) is underway, and organizers are preparing for one of the most activity-packed years yet. This year’s tour runs December 10–14, with the driving tour open nightly from 5–9 p.m. and the walking tour scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 13, from 6–9 p.m.
The walking-tour evening will begin with a Chamber ribbon cutting at 6 p.m. at the corner of 8th Street and 2nd Avenue, led by Opelika Mayor Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will attend the ceremony and walk with visitors throughout the tour. The Like the Dickens Caroling Group from Atlanta will also participate, performing at the ribbon cutting and strolling the tour route to sing Christmas carols.
Several historic sites will be open for visitors, including Trinity Church, First Presbyterian Church and The Brownfield House. Auburn Therapy Dogs will join the tour for the first time. The Opelika Community Theater will provide live historical improvisations at six homes — three on 8th Street and three on 9th Street — based on the book “A Guide to Historic Opelika: Homes, Churches, People” by Melissa Gatlin and Ruth Ann Gatlin. Melissa Gatlin will also have copies of the book available for purchase during the walking tour.
Live Entertainment Schedule
• 414 N. 8th St./5th Avenue
– East Alabama Civic Chorale: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
– Truck Dog: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
• Corner of 9th St./7th Avenue
– Brenna Ballet Institute: 6:30 to 7 p.m.
– The Anglin Men: 7 to 7:30 p.m.
– AU Tuba Ensemble: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
– Violin students: 8:30 to 9 p.m.
• 9th St./4th Avenue (The Hague Lot)
– Morris Ave Singers: 6:30 to 7 p.m.
– Northside Singers: 7 to 7:30 p.m.
– West Forrest Singers: 7:30 to 8 p.m.
– Mad Hatter’s Hat Contest: 8 to 8:30 p.m. Emceed by Council Member George Allen and his wife Beatrice. This is a first-time event and all ages are welcome. It will be crowd-judged.
– The Penguins: 8:30 to 9 p.m.
Additional Events and
Attractions
– Artist Jan Jones at the Art Haus — Jones will lead workshops and seminars during tour week.
– Workshops: www.opelikaarthaus.com/event/seminar-with-jan-jones/ www.opelikaarthaus.com/event/santa-workshop-with-jan-jones/.
Holiday Pub Crawl | Dec. 13, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
Tickets are available at
www.eventbrite.com/e/victorian-front-porch-tour-holiday-pub-crawl-tickets-1968810091984.
Electric Carriage Rides Return
Ticket information is available at www.eventcreate.com/e/the-royal-e-carriage-copy.
Bicycle Tour | Saturday, 10 a.m
Riders will meet in the Trinity Church parking lot.
The Victorian Front Porch Tour continues to be one of Opelika’s most cherished traditions, offering live entertainment, historic experiences and community holiday spirit.
