Society: HOPS Christmas Tour

from Ocala Magazine January 2023

Society: Ocali Country Days

HOPS Annual Christmas Tradition

Presenting Sponsor: All About You Real Estate

A special honoring goes to Andrew Grunther, event chair for his dedication and unwavering perseverance to make this event the success it was.

The long-awaited HOPS Annual Christmas Tour was held on December 17th beginning at their office, the Bryant House, located at downtown 712 East Fort King Street. There were over 600 attendees exploring some of the most beautiful and historic residences in the SE Ocala District. HOPS wowed the guests with Holiday Carolers spreading cheer while serving hors d’oeuvres prepared by Grated and Cured. A meet and greet with Mrs. Claus made the evening special. Docents and volunteers were at each home to assist and guide, along with serving special drinks and foods by Soleil Bakery and The Depot on Magnolia.

A special Thank You to all of our donors, sponsors, volunteers, and homeowners that hosted their beautiful homes. Sponsors for the event were: Brick City Pest Control, Grand Tree Service, Grated and Cured, OEU, OM Ocala Magazine, 352 Preview Magazine, Downtown Neighbors Magazine, Angie Lewis State Farm, RBOI, Roberts Real Estate, Your Hearts Desire, Shannon Roth Collection, The Graceful Gardener, Soleil Bakery, The Depot on Magnolia, Ambleside School, and Nobel Haus, Inc.

HOPS Annual Board & Christmas Gathering

PHOTOS BY HOLLY YOCUM

HOPS celebrated their end of the year meeting with Christmas festivities and dinner together. Frank and Pamela Stafford were the gracious hosts at their home which brings forth literally another world of museum and antique collections they have acquired over the years. HOPS is the Historic Ocala Preservation Society, a not for profit 501c3 organization. For more information on how you can become a member of HOPS or a volunteer or both, follow their Facebook page or website at historicocala.org.