Discovery Bay residents decked the halls and opened their doors to holiday revelers earlier this month at the 2007 Holiday Home Tour. Sponsored by the Discovery Bay Community Presbyterian Church, the annual event offered a walking tour of six of the town's most festive houses.

Nearly 300 people attended the event, which included a silent auction and door prizes. Refreshments were served and entertainment was provided by the Liberty High School singers, who dressed in Victorian costumes and sang songs of the season.

"It was a very nice turnout; we had a nice afternoon," said Gail Fritschler, event organizer. "People really seemed to enjoy themselves and the beautiful homes."

Homeowners were asked to decorate for the holidays in line with their family traditions.

This year's homes on the tour were: Jay McLaughlin and Peggy Valley, Allan and Sally Hammond (photos 1 and 2), Claudia and John Hull, Dave and Peggy Dove, Janie and Lonnie Meachem (photos 3 and 4), and Bobbie and Vince Vargas (photo 5).

Proceeds from the event help support year-round, locally sponsored church projects and community outreach programs.

"We use the donations from the home tour for things like our teen center and other church things," said Fritschler. "Here in Discovery Bay, because we don't have a community center, the church center gets used a lot as a community center, which we're happy to do. It gives a nice community feel."