Walk with the Saints tour set Saturday
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The tour comes complete with your own tour guide and local residents portraying characters of historical significance from McMinnville and Warren County’s past. The tour, named in part because Saturday is also All Saints Day, is the first of what is planned to be an annual event.
The tour is a joint effort of Main Street McMinnville, Heritage Alliance, Eagle Foundation and the Park Theater Group. The event will run from 5 to 7 p.m. and the ticket price is $10 per person, with proceeds going to the sponsoring organizations to fund their many projects designed to improve downtown.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Chamber of Commerce office or can be purchased Saturday evening at the Security Federal Bank parking area. Calling the Chamber of Commerce at 473-6611 and reserving a tour spot is suggested, but not mandatory.
Organizers said tour groups will be limited to 10 people since this will allow time for questions and give groups a more personal experience.
“We’ve found smaller groups receive more from a guided tour,” said Scarlett Griffith, one of the tour organizers.
Food vendors will be on hand. Included in the price of the ticket will be hot cider and light refreshments at the end of the tour. Tours will last about two hours. They are walking tours, but some chairs will be provided at each stop for those who need a break.
The tour will be introduced by T.F. Burroughs, as portrayed by Jimmy Haley, and will begin at the historic Black House, then move on down Main Street making stops at various sites including the Presbyterian Church, the Park Theater, and the site of the world famous Sedberry Hotel where you’ll hear about the grand meals and some of the famous guests at the hotel from the original proprietor, Miss Erbye herself, played by Myra Woodlee.
Altogether the tour will feature almost 20 of McMinnville’s most famous residents and historic sites such as local library founder Mary Cunningham, played by Jean Williams, and benefactor William Magness, as portrayed by Bill Myers. Bank founder Jesse Walling will be played by Tommy Kell, and McMinnville’s first photographer, Fletch Woodard, will be played by Bruce Atnip.
Also as part of the event a group of local Civil War enactors, Sons of the Confederacy, will be setting up a replica of a Confederate encampment complete with soldiers in authentic uniforms.
According to organizers, not only will the tour benefit the various downtown renovation projects, it will also serve to keep the rich and vivid history of McMinnville and Warren County alive.
“All this, plus providing an entertaining and educational experience for all,” said Griffith.