While the monsoons of Christmas Past will hopefully be no more than a pale ghost of a memory this year, the folks at Greenville Main Street probably wouldn't mind if just a few white, powdery flakes choose to fall across the Camellia City on Saturday afternoon, December 15.

That's the day when residents and visitors alike can step back in time and walk into an old-fashioned Christmas while visiting in some of Greenville's loveliest and most historic homes.

City Sidewalks Holiday Tour 2001, sponsored by Greenville Main Street, has a new look this year.

"This is the first time we as an organization have featured a tour of homes…we have a very talented team of local decorators and designers who will create a different, unique look for each home

it's well worth your time to come and look," says Main Street President Nancy Idland.

Four homes from Greenville's oldest neighborhood will be featured on the tour: The Castleberry and Daughtry homes on South Park Street and the Feathers and Frakes homes on Herbert Street.

The pale pink Victorian beauty known as the Martin House Bed and Breakfast on E. Commerce Street also will be decked out in full holiday style for the tour.

"We also have two of our oldest and most beautiful churches

First United Methodist on Adams Street and St. Thomas Episcopal on Church Street

included in the tour and they will be an absolute inspiration to all who visit them," assures Idland.

Greenville's restored art deco theater, the Ritz, also will serve as the refreshment center for tour visitors.

Weather permitting, tour patrons can enjoy old-fashioned buggy rides up and down the Camellia City's glittering streets. Other holiday entertainment of the musical variety is possibly in the works.

Tickets are $10 per person for the tour.

It's scheduled from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 15.

Tickets can be purchased now through the Pineapple or Elizabeth Wilson Florist or on tour day at Main Street offices downtown.

"All these monies go back into the community for things like Oktoberfest and other fun and often free community-wide events…it is well worth the money and time to come out and join us for this special holiday event," Idland says.

Remember, folks, help the Main Street folks out

pray for chilly weather, not too cold; no rain (freezing or otherwise); gentle breezes

and just a few, lacey, soft white flakes.

Let's dress in our holiday duds',wear our prettiest seasonal smiles (and comfiest walking shoes) and explore the holiday beauty and year-round history Greenville has to offer at the City Sidewalks home tour 2001.