The Lawrence County Historical Society will showcase some of thecounty’s most interesting homes Saturday during its annual Tour ofHomes.

The event, which begins at 10 a.m., is sponsored by the LawrenceCounty Historical Society. Organizers recommend guests start at theLawrence County Museum, on the first floor of the civic center atthe intersection of Highway 84 and F.E. Sellers Highway.

A sampling of some of the county’s oldest homes will beshowcased along with a few of its newer homes as “a salute to theoriginal founders of the organization and the continued work of itspresent members,” said Kay Allen, president of the historicalsociety.

Five homes will be featured this year beginning with the GeorgeWood Magee home, built in 1894, and ending with the John and J.J.Carney home, which was only recently completed. The McAulay-Grimeshome represents the 1940s, while the George and Margaret Garrethome represents the 1970s.

“Fairlawn,” the home of former Gov. A.H. Longino, is a regularhighlight of the tour. It is “lavishly” decorated in theWilliamsburg style.

New this year, holiday decorations will be featured in eachhome. The decorations were designed by local floral designers.Paintings by artist Curtis Jaunsen and murals painted by SaraMcTaggart also can be found at certain locations, Allen said.

Malta’s Downtown Market, an old New Orleans-style market, isalso a highlight of the tour. The butcher shop, fresh produce storeand cafe has timed its opening to coincide with the tour.

The store is located in the historic Cannon building. TheCannons were early settlers in the county and were instrumental inits development. Will C. Cannon was a teacher, circuit and chanceryclerk and businessman and John Oatis Cannon was a mail carrier.

Allen also invited tour guests to enjoy the tranquil Cooper’sFerry Park, built on the site of the old ferry that carriedresidents across the Pearl River.

“Visitors can stroll along the new tree top trail to enjoy theview of the winding Pearl River and the water wheel, which is areplica of the mill wheels that once dotted the landscape inhistorical Lawrence County,” Allen said.

Maps and tickets will be available Saturday at the LawrenceCounty Civic Center and the Garrett home in Arm. Ticket priceincludes all featured sites, a map of the tour route, a luncheonbuffet and a tour of the museum.