The 25th Annual Big Canoe Tour of Homes
May 3-4, 2013
Tickets will be available at noon on March 17

Online ticket sales end at noon on Thursday, May 2
Please purchase your tour tickets at the ticket tent

Please purchase your tour tickets at the ticket tent.

	The Ticket Tent will open at 8:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, May 3-4.

The 2013 Tour of Homes is only weeks away. Details and photos of the four beautiful homes on this year’s tour will soon be announced and available on the tour website. The homeowners and home hostesses are busy preparing for your visit and all that remains is for you to purchase tour tickets for yourselves and your friends.

Tickets for the home tour on Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4, will go on sale as announced this coming March. All tickets are and may be purchased from the Tour website or from the ticket sales team at various locations in Big Canoe. Tickets are each.

If your preference is to purchase a ticket online, you will be able to select the day, block of time and number of tickets required. You may use PayPal or send a check after placing your order. You will receive a receipt that also serves as your ticket to the Tour. Print your receipt and present it at the ticket tent on the day of the tour. Checks payable to "Big Canoe Tour of Homes" may be placed in the Tour of Homes alpha box at the mail facility in an envelope marked for the attention of Cindy Bonner. You may also mail your checks to Big Canoe Tour of Homes, 10530 Big Canoe, Big Canoe, GA, 30143. Checks are to be received on or before April 28.

There will be two blocks of timed tickets: 9:00 to 11:45 a.m. (with the last bus leaving for the homes at 11:45 a.m.) and from noon to 2:45 p.m. (last bus leaves at 2:45 p.m.).

You will have several opportunities to purchase tickets in person, including the Women’s Guild meetings in March and April. The ticket table will also be set up at Sunday morning Stand Arounds (10:00 to 10:30 a.m.) and after the 10:30 a.m. service. In addition, tickets will be sold at the Postal Facility here in Big Canoe on several occasions that will be announced well in advance. You may call Sandra Gadd at 706-579-2443 for specific information about purchasing your tickets.

Ticket Chair Sandra Gadd

When purchasing tickets in person, you may pay by check payable to "Big Canoe Tour of Homes" or with cash. Any remaining tickets will be offered for sale on the day of the tour from the ticket tent located in front of the Chapel. Everyone taking the tour must check in at the ticket tent to obtain a wristband, which must be shown when boarding the tour buses and to gain admittance to each home. The ticket tent is open on Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4,  from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Parking for the Tour
We ask that you park in the new Chapel parking lot adjacent to the playfield and walk up the steps towards the Chapel, although there will be provisions for disabled passengers to be dropped off in front of the Chapel.

Buses will run every 15 minutes between the Chapel and the homes on a predetermined route and return to the Chapel. Drop off will be convenient to the lower parking lot, allowing you to browse and shop the vendors in that area.

Plan ahead to have enough time to shop before or after your tour. The Marketplace is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Friday, and from 9 a.m.until 4 p.m. on Saturday. Visiting the homes may take at least two to three hours to acdequately see all four of the lovely homes.

Let May 3 and May 4 be days when you relax and enjoy the beauty and peace of Big Canoe. 

Welcome to the 2013 Tour of Homes...more helpful information!

Four unique residences in the 2013 Tour of Homes

By Alice Eachus
Photos by Lassie Dye
What makes a home truly our own? Maybe a private dance floor or a collection of quilts warming the walls. Perhaps a screened porch with a bird’s eye view of treetops, or maybe a massing of wooden furniture lovingly designed and crafted by the man of the house.

For the past 25 years, the Tour of Homes has invited the community to take a peek into many interesting, beautiful and unique homes nestled in our little corner of the world. This year is no exception.

The upcoming Silver Anniversary Tour of Homes is sponsored by the Big Canoe Chapel Women’s Guild and over the years has raised more than a million dollars to benefit charities in Dawson and Pickens counties.

Tour buses will wind around our mountains on May 3-4. Hop onboard and enjoy visiting four delightfully different homes. Sue Hauseman, Tom and Linda Petrigliano, Erwin and Dorian Dillard and Wayne and Eileen Bruce are opening their front doors to welcome all into their private worlds.

	Home of Sue Hauseman.

Home of Sue Hauseman — A quilter’s paradise
Sue Hauseman knew she wanted to call our mountains home 15 years ago when she bought the perfect lot for her dream home, which she built eight years later. As so many before her, once Sue crossed the covered bridge, she knew she finally found her special place in the hills. With family nearby in Atlanta, Big Canoe was the perfect setting for her retirement hearth.

Sue loves to entertain friends and family so an open spacious floor plan was a must. Cooking is a favorite pastime, and Sue’s large kitchen invites guests to join her while she concocts delectable dinner dishes. Sue’s dogs are her pride and joy and share her rustic home.

Oh, Sue’s beautiful quilts! Not only does Sue have golden fingers to design and create her own whimsical coverlets, she also collects antique quilts and displays them in their splendor throughout her home. Fabric art adds a welcoming feel to this mountain home, especially the large, impressive rooster quilt hand-pieced by Pennsylvania Mennonites. This handmade quilt makes a genuine statement hanging proudly in the stairwell.

	Home of Tom and Linda Petrigliano.

Home of Tom and Linda Petrigliano — Bird’s eye view captures the soul
Linda and Tom Petrigliano first heard of Big Canoe in the late ‘80s when few homes dotted the landscape. It wasn’t until 2003 that they purchased a lot, then a vacation home and, finally, a permanent residence on Sconti Knoll. Their home features craftsman-style architecture and the Petriglianos particularly enjoy their open, expansive floor plan, perfect for casual entertaining.

Before moving in, extensive renovation and remodeling took place, including the installation of a fireplace in their screened porch. Many hours and family meals are enjoyed on the porch, perched high in the foliage like an inviting tree house.

Scattered throughout the home is a wonderful collection of Nippon china, including platters, plates, figurines and vases. Tom and Linda have been collecting this delicate Chinese porcelain for many years, and each piece has a story to tell. The Petriglianos also enjoy searching for treasures to add to their numerous vintage-inspired collections.

Their daughter Stacey commandeers the lower level of the Petrigliano home. Stacey’s cozy “home-within-a-home” features a kitchenette, fireplace and plenty of room for relaxation.

	Home of Erwin and Dorian Dillard.

Home of Erwin and Dorian Dillard — A home to celebrate dancing
“We love to dance, so we built our very own dance floor!” Erwin and Dorian Dillard whirl and twirl on their expansive dance floor every chance they get, when they’re not enjoying one of the most spectacular views in Big Canoe.

The panorama faces south into Big Canoe and gives excellent views of the lakes, Big Canoe Chapel, Sconti Clubhouse and the surrounding mountains. On a clear day, Stone Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain and the Atlanta skyline can be enjoyed.

Dorian, a Big Canoe resident for 17 years, is an artist, and her oil works are displayed throughout the house, carrying vibrant color to every corner. Of particular note is the expressively detailed oil portrait of her daughters Dorian lovingly painted. She is also an interior designer and her creative touches accent and showcase the couple’s vibrant personalities.

Dorian and Erwin married in 2006, and both love to work around the house. Erwin, a man handy with tools, did all the plumbing and electrical work when the home’s basement was finished. That was a labor of love!

	Home of Wayne and Eileen Bruce.

Home of Wayne and Eileen Bruce — An architectural wonder
Wayne and Eileen Bruce turned a simple ranch-style Big Canoe home into an architectural showplace. Entering the original house, visitors are soon swept into a majestic addition, beautifully integrated to create a home that flows easily and comfortably. A massive chandelier in the great room teases the eye upward to high-reaching beams.

Wayne is a home builder by profession, but he is also a furniture craftsman. Of particular note is the massive dining room table, which was intricately hand-carved by this talented homeowner. While carving wood is his specialty, Wayne also knows how to fashion simple steel pipes into functional furnishings using curves and twists to add interest and dimension to the design.

Coming from the Lone Star State, Wayne and Eileen have subtle touches of Texas throughout their home. Elements of the West fit beautifully into mountain living, and Wayne and Eileen introduced their many life experiences into an attractive home they enjoy to the fullest.

Each of the four homes tour-goers will visit in May has a friendly, welcoming sense about it. Each carries its owner’s sense of style and flair in a distinctive way. We thank our homeowners for sharing their private retreats with us. We wouldn’t have a Tour of Homes without you!

Marketplace Inspirations

Let the Shopping Begin!

Mark your calendars for May 3 and 4 when, once again, the Tour of Homes Martketplace comes to Big Canoe! Here you will see the Broyles Center   transformed into a bustling array of vendors and artists offering jewelry, clothing, artwork, bakery goods — and so much more!

Even if you are not going to visit the homes on the tour, plan to enjoy seeing all the Marketplace has to offer. It's a time for some serious shopping if you're looking for unique, hand-crafted pieces of artwork, jewelry, and home accessories. There is no charge to browse around the many treasures to be found at the Marketplace. Shop before or after your home tour on Friday, May 3,from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday, May 4, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

In addition to the vendors, the Marketplace hosts the Bear Paw Bakery, the Crazy Bear Cafe, Collectors' Corner, and the ever-popular Book Nook. Here is more about the treats and treasures to be found at these Marketplace attractions.


Bake, Buy, or Both! - Bear Paw Bakery Beckons
The Bakery will be open 8:30 am until 5:00 pm on Friday and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00  p.m. (or until sold out) on Saturday.  Be sure and drop by to purchase your favorite
Snack while touring.

Cakes, cupcakes, cookies, breads, and pies will be available for purchase
each day.  Plus, special diet items and savory snacks such as trail mix and
popcorn will be available for sale.

NEW!!  Speciality Cakes will be available by preorder if desired.  See contact below.

If you can volunteer your time or bake some goodies for the tour or wish to purchase a speciality cake…….
please contact Brenda Bedingfield (706-268-2047) or June Lewis (706-268-1856)

Crazy Bear Café - Stop by and grab a bite
Stop in before or after your tour or while shopping in the Marketplace. The grills will be fired up from 8:00 am both days and will stay hot on Friday until 5:00 pm and on Saturday until 4:00 pm. Outdoor seating will be available, and for those of you with a sweet tooth, the Bear Paw Bakery is right next door!  Please contact Eberhard Noll (706-268-1908) if you can help organize, cook, or serve our many guests any time during the tour.

• Early Bird Special: Tasty Sausage Biscuit and Hot Coffee
• Lunch: Hamburger or Chicken Sandwich
• Cold Drink, Chips

Book Nook Bargains - Good Reads Galore
Located just downstairs in the Broyles Center, here you can fill your shopping bags with best selling hardback or paperback fiction and nonfiction books, CDs, DVDs for the grandkids, and a couple of books on CD for the next car trip—all at unbelievable prices.  Co-Chairs Cathy Smith and Glenda Molton arrange the collection so it's easy to find selections by authors or subjects.

Volunteers and book donations are always welcome! Please contact Glenda Molton (706-268-1595).

• Turning Pages at the Book Nook

 


Collectors' Corner - The place for fabulous finds
An array of treasures pulled from homes all over Big Canoe will await you at the Collectors' Corner located on the lower level of the Broyles Center on May 3 and 4. The Collectors' Corner offers a glorious selection of gently used home accessories, furnishings, linens, china, silver, glassware and antiques.  Hardly a garage sale, the standard used in accepting items is, "Would you give this as a wedding gift?" This is a great place to find unique items at very reasonable prices. Bring cash or checks (no credit cards) to make your purchases.

For further information or to make a donation, call Diane LaCharite (706-268-1252) or Verna Rauschenberg (706-579-2249).

• Collectors' Corner Searches for Silver Linings

Welcome to the 2013 Marketplace Vendors

The Broyles Center, adjacent parking lot, and patio will be transformed into a bustling marketplace with an amazing array of vendors and artists offering jewelry, clothing, artwork, gift items, food and more. The Marketplace also hosts the Bear Paw Bakery, the Crazy Bear Café and the always popular Book Nook and Collectors’ Corner.

This is a great opportunity to support local businesses without leaving the gates of Big Canoe and to see a diverse group of artists from Big Canoe and around the Southeast. You’ll find perennial favorites as well as many new vendors this year.

Vendors at the Marketplace will be open on Friday, May 3, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and on Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. For that quick cup of coffee and a breakfast treat, you can stop by the Crazy Bear Cafe at 8 a.m. on both Friday and Saturday. Wait just a bit and then even more home-made goodies are available at Bear Paw Bakery when it opens at 8:30 a.m.

With so many wonderful vendors and artists to choose from, it will be hard to decide where to begin…and when to stop.  And remember, it’s never too early to shop for Christmas or the next anniversary and birthday. Since every purchase helps support charities in Pickens and Dawson counties, come early, stay late, and be there both days!

2013 Tour of Homes Vendors

The Marketplace offers an abundance of unique, one-of-a-kind treasures.

Broyles Center - Inside

About Casual  (aboutcasual.com)
Aspire to Be - Jewelry
Blue Ridge Bead Weaving (www.blueridgebeadweaving.net)
Cavender Ridge Studio
Coe Steinwart Watercolors (coesteinwart.com)
Lassie Dye, Photography
Earth'n Vine - Wreaths and Arrangements
Golly Miss Ollie
Hammer's Wood (hammerswood.com), bowls and furniture
Imagine This, Harold Wilson Photography
Isea Designs (iseadesigns.etsy.com)
Joan Muncaster - Jewelry
L.G. Designs  (www.lgdesignsjewelry.com)
Mona Lisa Designs  (www.monalisadesignsatl.com)
Pampered Chef (pamperedchef.biz/EatWellLiveWell)
Passion Knits
Ray & Pierrette Ziebell - Scarves and Jewelry
Silver Wear - Jewely and Reader Eyeglasses
Sullivan Morris Pottery

Broyles Cenrer - Deck and Patio

'2 Broken Broads' (2brokenbroads.com)
Alan R. Young Wildlife paintingts (alanryoung.com)
Andria Dinzole - Jewelry, women's accessories
Dahlonega Mercantile Outdoor Garden
Gardners' Pottery
Handmaiden Store - Soaps and Creams (www.handmaidenstore.com)
hArtworks Stoneware
Jennifer's 31 Gifts (www.mythirtyone.com/jjohnson-250973)
Kawonu Crafts, LTD
LB Enterprises Group
Lisa Marie Itri - Jewelry
Nature's Edge Furniture - Rustic pine furniture for porches and decks
Outdoor Garden Produce Gardens (towergardengeorgia.com)
Passion Knits
Premier Designs Jewelry (premierdesigns.com)
Randy Lewis, Photography (www.GeorgiaMountainPhotography.com)
The Crazy Crafters

Welcome to the 2013 Tour of Homes

In 2012, 26 charities benefited from tour proceeds, making a meaningful difference in many lives, both young and old. Photo by Valerie Doll

By Alice Eachus
When the front doors swung open for guests at Big Canoe’s first Tour of Homes, six homes warmly welcomed the community.

Back then it was mostly neighbors visiting neighbors, but when Tour Day ended, the Big Canoe Chapel Women’s Guild had raised ,700 to give to charities in Dawson and Pickens counties.

	The Tour of Homes is a community-wide event where more than 300 Big Canoe residents come together to contribute their time and talents. Photo by Valerie Doll

Thus began the Legacy of Caring. Since then, the Tour of Homes has raised in excess of 166 million dollars to help the needy. Last year, 26 charities benefited from Tour proceeds, making a meaningful difference in many lives, both young and old.

2013 Tour of Homes Chair Susan Willson has gilded plans to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this Big Canoe tradition. The Silver Anniversary will begin with “Celebrating 25 Years of Caring,” a special event and auction on Saturday, April 27, at The Clubhouse, with the Tour of Homes and Marketplace May 3-4.

Every celebration needs a symbol: The beautiful iris will commemorate this year’s tour. This delicate but sturdy flower honors all 25th anniversaries and represents promise, faith and hope. For centuries, the iris has been known as a flower of divine protection and power, as well as a poignant symbol of trust, wisdom and valor.

Each of these characteristics well defines the Big Canoe Tour of Homes, especially the thousands of volunteers who have helped make the event happen for the past 25 years. Helping hands and giving spirits are the essence of the Tour of Homes and promote a legacy of their own.

Volunteer opportunities abound, whether it’s baking, cataloguing books, hostessing, procuring auction items or welcoming guests. For newcomers, the Tour is a wonderful way to meet neighbors while serving others.

Contact Susan Willson for more information at eliz8190@yahoo.com.

News Flashes - All the latest plans and preparations:

• Welcome to the 2013 Tour - Helpful things to know before you come to the tour
  
• Four unique residences in the 2013 Tour - Learn more about these lovely homes
• Collectors' Corner searches for silver linings - Celebrating the Tour's 25th Anniversary
• Turning pages at the Book Nook - A traditional book-lovers mecca
• Celebrating 25 Years of Caring - Annual Event Has Raised More Than 166,000,000 to Assist Local Charities
• Engines will roar at the 2013 Tour of Homes
• Tour of Homes Reserves the first weekend in May
• Bear Paw Bakery is selling specialty cakes & Pies
• Tour of Homes welcomes the month of May

May 3 and 4, 2013

By Alice Eachus

	Susan Willson, Chair 2013 Tour of Homes

When the front doors swung open for guests at Big Canoe’s first Tour of Homes, six homes warmly welcomed the community.

Back then it was mostly neighbors visiting neighbors, but when Tour Day ended, the Big Canoe Chapel Women’s Guild had raised 2,700 dollars to give to charities in Dawson and Pickens counties.

Thus began the Legacy of Caring. Since then, the Tour of Homes has raised in excess of 166 million dollars to help the needy. Last year, 26 charities benefited from Tour proceeds, making a meaningful difference in many lives, both young and old.

Every celebration needs a symbol: The beautiful iris will commemorate this year’s tour. This delicate but sturdy flower honors all 25th anniversaries and represents promise, faith and hope. For centuries, the iris has been known as a flower of divine protection and power, as well as a poignant symbol of trust, wisdom and valor.

2013 Tour of Homes Chair Susan Willson have gilded plans to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this Big Canoe tradition. The Silver Anniversary will begin with “Celebrating 25 Years of Caring,” a special event and auction on Saturday, April 27, at The Clubhouse, with the Tour of Homes and Marketplace May 3-4.

 
2013 Tour of Homes Committee Chairs and contact list

Directions to the North Gate

	Residents and guests can just relax and enjoy the ride to see the homes on the tour.

From East Side

Take 400 North to Highway 53...Turn left on highway 53 towards Dawsonville...Go through town and continue on 53 up to Steve Tate Highway (Highway 11)...Turn right on Steve Tate Highway (Highway 11). Big Canoe will be on your left after a few miles on Steve Tate...Go past the first entrance to Big Canoe...Go to the second entrance, about a mile or two past the first entrance ... turn left into the second entrance ... and go to the far left and stop at the gatehouse.

From West Side

TTake 575 North from 75. 575 becomes 515 and 5...Continue for 2 miles...Turn right on 108 for 2 miles. At 4-way stop, continue straight (108 becomes 53)...past the Tate House on the right...cross the tracks...continue on 53 for about 9.5 miles...turn left on Steve Tate Highway (Highway 11) at the Chevron Station ... Big Canoe will be on your left after a few miles on Steve Tate ... go past the first entrance to Big Canoe ... go to the second entrance, about a mile or two past the first entrance ...turn left into the second entrance ... and go to the far left and stop at the gatehouse.

Traffic Routing in Big Canoe
The street in front of the Chapel and Tennis center will be one-way only on Thursday, May 2 through Saturday, May 4, to allow for vendor set up and the buses. Disabled passengers may be dropped off outside the Chapel. Traffic attendants and signs will provide information.

	Informed Tour Ambassadors provide interesting bits of information about Big Canoe and the homes you will be visiting along the way.

The Ticket Tent - Stop here before visiting the homes on the tour
Located in front of the Chapel, the Ticket Tent is open on Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4, from 8:30 a.m. until 2:45 p.m.. Everyone taking the tour must check in at the Ticket Tent to obtain a wristband, which must be shown when boarding the buses and to gain admittance to each home.

Tour Buses - Residents and guests are to ride the buses when visiting the homes on the tour. Tour buses will transport ticket holders from the Chapel to and between the homes on both Friday and Saturday. The buses are air-conditioned, but they are not handicapped accessible. Strollers, wheelchairs and pets are not allowed on the buses, nor in the homes on the tour.

Each bus will have a Tour Ambassador who will provide information about Big Canoe and answer questions about the homes and the community. The last Tour bus will leave the Chapel at 2:45 p.m.