Begin the holiday season with Camp of the Rising Sun's Christmas Gala and Historic Tour of Homes in Corsicana Friday, Dec. 5.

The nonprofit organization which benefits special needs children in Freestone, Limestone and Navarro counties will host a Christmas Gala at the refurbished historic Halbert House from 7 to 10 p.m. at 1250 West Third Avenue.

Christmas trees decorated by area organizations will be auctioned during the event with proceeds will being used to send children to camp next summer.

Wine and hors d'oeurves will be served with entertainment provided by Zanada Talley.

Tickets are $50 per person and also includes a ticket to the tour of historic homes held Saturday, Dec. 5, from noon to 5 p.m.

The tour will feature the West Third Avenue Historic Homes of: Mr. Jimmy Hale, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Steely, Mr. and Mrs. Sandy Jenkins, Ms. Lana Johnson as well as the Halbert House.

Tickets for the tour are $12 in advance or $15 at the door.

For more information on how to purchase tickets or to make a donation, please contact Lynda Green at (903) 874-8062 of Jamie Kitchens at (903) 875-9729.

Directions and ticket information are also available on the Camp of the Rising Sun website at www.campoftherisingsun. org.