Heavy rains and lightning failed to dampen the enthusiasm of hundreds of visitors to The Center of Anna Maria Island’s 23rd annual Tour of Homes March 19.
Five showcase houses gave tour participants inspiration and awe.
“Beautiful!” said Minnesota native Kate Elliott. “I loved the different styles and all the wonderful pieces at the homes.”
Tour-takers donned blue booties to protect floors, but even then, rain from the heavy downpours created a battle for volunteers and tourgoers alike. Spotty showers lingered through the afternoon.
The shuttle coordinator at Diane and Kurt Snouffer’s said that they had been “packed all day despite the rain.” He pointed to the long line of people waiting for the shuttle, umbrellas in hand.
Volunteers staffed the check-in stations at each home, verifying tickets and explaining properties. Some retreated inside when winds gusted. Inside, guests were greeted with more volunteers, eager to explain fine finishings in kitchens and baths, discuss flooring and the intricacies that make each house unique.
The garage at the home owned by Dave and Kerri Welch was transformed into the popular Island Tropical Treasure Boutique. Joan Pettigrew, who coordinated the sale area for many years, saw to it that it was again stocked with arts and crafts — all locally made. Offerings varied from flip-flop flyswatters to hand-painted fabrics and wall art.
“It’s been slower than last year because of the weather,” she said just before the quilt prize drawing at 3 p.m. Volunteers estimated they had sold about half of the boutique stock.
Proceeds from the boutique, like those from the tour, go to the center. Offerings also included a silent auction for hand-painted furniture and fabric arts.
And then there was the handmade quilt, crafted each year by the Eyeland Needlers for the tour. Pettigrew designs and works on the quilt each year.
This year the drawing produced winner Mark Warren, who will take ownership of “Flip Flops, Fish and More.”
Through downpours and puddles, tourgoers continued to arrive in the afternoon.
“They persevered through the rain,” said volunteer Lou Ann Ranck of the stream of people touring the homes. “It’s been steady all day, despite the bad weather.”