The Waterloo High School Band Parents are bringing back their Candlelight House Tour this holiday season, and it is better than ever thanks to the support of the local business community.

The event will take place Saturday, Dec. 3, from 5 to 9 p.m. Five homes will be featured on the tour, as well as Stubborn German Brewing in downtown Waterloo.  Included with the advanced ticket price of $15 will be one complimentary craft beer at the brewery.

The following merchants are sponsoring the house tour: Bountiful Blossoms, Diehl’s Floral & Gifts, Mill Street Treasures, Monroe County Storage, Philomena + Ruth, Russell and Diane Gregson, Savannah’s Southern Charm and Tannous Chiropractic.

Tickets may be purchased from any sponsor, any WHS band student, or at State Bank of Waterloo.

Tickets on the night of the event will be $17 and can be purchased at any of the tour locations.

This year’s tour will benefit the Marching Bulldogs for their participation in the Walt Disney World Parade in June 2017.  For more information, call 618-920-3362.

Here are descriptions of the homes on this year’s tour.

Rusteberg Home
Poinsettias and holiday greenery transform this warm and inviting contemporary ranch home situated on four acres of immaculate landscaping. Attendees will walk into an open floor plan greeted by traditional decorations which transform the home. A Christmas tree in every room will get  everyone into the spirit of the holiday season. Featured in the basement are a home theatre room and a handmade bar stretching 12 feet in length. Saving the best part for last, tour participants will walk outdoors into a Christmas resort setting complete with palm trees.

Baxmeyer Home
This Venetian style home was built in 2008 by Steve Miller. It features a curved entryway and staircase. Decorated in traditional style in reds, greens, silver and gold, the home features a Christmas village that has been gifted to the family. Don’t miss the back patio featuring an outdoor fireplace and mini driving range just past the back gate. From there, you can catch a glimpse of wildlife and the Poettker Dairy Farm lit for the holidays.

Arterburn Home
Historically referred to as the Rippelmeyer House, this Centennial Home is believed to have been built between 1840 and 1860. The house remained in the Rippelmeyer Family until around 2010. The Arterburn family purchased the home in 2013 and rehabbed the entire interior of the house. Ann Arterburn redesigned the original floor plan into a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom home. Demolition allowed the original brick walls and 12-foot-high ceilings to be exposed. Two outbuildings still remain on the property that were instrumental in the operation of the working farm. Much of the original property has been subdivided with the house remaining on approximately one acre of land.   The house features three Christmas trees.

Tepper Home
Formerly known as the Hardy house, this home was built in the 1850s. It is said to be the original farmhouse in what is now Hardy Acres. The second addition was completed in 1875. Scott and Lauren Tepper purchased the house in 2014 and have painstakingly remodeled it in order to bring this hidden gem back to life. The Christmas decor is a mix of Pinterest inspirations blended with a rustic farmhouse theme.

Braun Home
Built in 2000, this two-story brick home is situated on 2.5 acres. Inside, the style is traditional with a balcony overlooking the great room. They have seven beautifully decorated trees. One tree is called the Family Tree, as it is decorated only with homemade ornaments and those purchased on family vacations. The dining room features a tree lovingly nicknamed the “Mom Tree,” fully decorated with glass ornaments.

Stubborn German
Chris and Tammy Rahn (former WHS band and color guard members) have fulfilled their dream of opening a brewery in their hometown.  Stubborn German Brewing Company opened in April 2016 and offers house brewed authentic German and American style beers, along with a huge bourbon selection and a fun, cozy atmosphere.  With the help of family and friends, they renovated the Masonic Lodge that was built in 1885 and had housed Reime Jewelers for 40 years. The open-air concept allows you to see the entire brewhouse operation.