The Borough of Pottstown boasts many stunning, historic buildings – and many will be festively decorated and warmly opened to the public for the Historic Pottstown Holiday Tour offered alongside related activities Sunday, Dec. 8, between noon and 5 p.m.

All proceeds will benefit the Third Annual Pottstown GoFourth! fireworks festival in Memorial Park. (See below for details on how to enjoy the various holiday activities). This year’s festival will have a “Sunny 2020” Woodstock theme, planners say.

In the meantime, holiday lovers can get in the spirit on December 8, beginning with a tea at the Elk’s Club, 61 E. High St., between noon and 3 p.m.

A trolley, sponsored by ROG Orthodontics and Pottstown Area Rapid Transit, will shuttle historic house tour-goers to about one dozen stops throughout the Borough while Pottstown historian Mike Snyder shares fascinating stories about our town’s past. The trolley tours will begin at 1 p.m. and again at 3:30 p.m., both leaving from Emmanuel Lutheran Church at 150 N. Hanover St. Cookies and punch — and raffle baskets — will be offered at Emmanuel, too.

Event planners note that the tickets are selling rapidly – with more than one half of the Historic Pottstown Trolley Tour available seats already taken.

A self-guided tour of the historic properties, all lovingly decorated for the season, may be taken between 1 and 5 p.m. A shuttle service will be provided to those interested, courtesy of Tompkins VIST Bank and Pottstown Area Rapid Transit.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to peek inside some of Pottstown’s fantastic homes, many of which are perfect examples of architecture ranging from Queen Ann Victorian to Revival styles,” says Jo Bathurst, chair of the GoFourth! Historic Pottstown Holiday Tour. “The property owners who are participating will pull out all the stops to showcase these Pottstown gems. We truly appreciate their generosity in welcoming guests into their homes.”

“Even if you can’t enjoy the tour in person, you can show your pride in our beautiful community by purchasing the 2020 Pottstown Historic House Tour calendar, beautifully photographed by local artist Carol Brightbill,” adds Amy Francis, Pottstown GoFourth co-chair.

The stunning photos depict featured homes from a variety of angles and include colorful, creative graphic touches. The calendars are selling quickly, Francis notes. Priced at $15 each, they are available for purchase at these Pottstown locations: Balanced Living Nutritional Foods,
26 S. Charlotte St.; the Carousel at Pottstown Gift Shop, 30 W. King St.; Studio 36 Bead Shop & Artisans Gallery, 105 E. High St.; the Montgomery County Community College Bookstore, 101 College Drive; and Pottstown ROG Orthodontics, 900 Heritage Drive #920.

Historic House and Trolley Tour Ticket Information

Tickets are available at www.pottstowngofourth.com/tickets and at Studio 36 Bead Shop & Artisans Gallery, 105 E. High St. Tickets then will be exchanged for the official tour map between noon and 4 p.m. on the day of the tour only, also at Studio 36.

Pricing is as follows:

Combo House & Trolley Tour: $25 in advance, $35 on the day of the tour (Sunday, Dec. 8).

Historic Pottstown House Tour only: $15 in advance, $20 on the tour day (Sunday, Dec. 8).

Historic Pottstown Trolley Tour only: $15 in advance, $20 on the tour day (Sunday, Dec. 8).

This true community-wide event is a great way to showcase the Borough, raise funds for July’s GoFourth! festivities, and join friends and neighbors in celebrating Pottstown’s hometown holiday spirit.

For more information go to https://www.pottstowngofourth.com/