Union Block suites, homes on candlelight tour

TECUMSEH — The annual Christmas Parade and Candle-light Home Tours are scheduled this weekend as the holiday traditions return to Tecumseh.

The Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Tecumseh Chamber of Commerce, is set to begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, featuring floats, two marching bands, the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corp, and the arrival of Santa Claus.

The parade will travel east on Chicago Boulevard from Union to Maumee Streets.

The Promenade Tecumseh Christmas Candlelight Home Tour takes place on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4 and 5. The Candlelight Tour is an inside home tour highlighting Christmas décor and warm hospitality,  along with a touch of Tecumseh history.  The tour is held during the evening hours from 5:30 to 8 and has been a local tradition for more than 30 years.

This year the Candlelight Home Tour includes the Hammond home at 215 W. Pottawatamie St.,  an 1880’s era two-story Italianate, decorated in traditional style;  the Clarke residence at 912 Red Oak Court, a contemporary ranch style home that includes Jean Clarke’s extensive holiday collections;  and the Union Block Suites,  two upper level suites at 110 W. Chicago Blvd. The Suites have recently been renovated and are decorated for the season. Entrance to the Union Block Suites is located at the front of the building, between the Spotted Cow and Founda-tion Realty. The tour also includes stops at the Carnegie Studios at 304 W. Chicago Blvd.,  and the Tecumseh Area Historical Museum located at 302 E. Chicago Blvd. 

Tickets for the tour are $5 and may be purchased in advance through Friday afternoon at the Tecumseh Chamber office, Schmidt & Sons Pharmacy and The Daily Grind. During tour hours, tickets will be available only at the Carnegie Studios and at the homes on tour. Tickets may be used either evening or both nights. 

There is no admission fee to enter and tour just the Tecumseh Museum or the Carnegie Studios. Both are included and are open special hours for the Candlelight tour.

Promenade Committee President Pat VanCamp said, “The Candlelight Tour is a great way to share the spirit of the season with friends and the community.”  She said that part of the charm of the Candlelight tour is viewing each location’s unique holiday decor and visiting with people along the tour route. 

“The Candlelight tour is very relaxed and enjoyable,” VanCamp said.

Light refreshments and musical entertainment will be provided at tour stops.  A door prize drawing will be held Saturday evening at end of the tour.