VININGS - Vinings residents know their quaint borough in southeastern Cobb County is a mixture of both old and new, and they will showcase that vibrancy on Sunday afternoon with the Vinings Tour of Homes.

Debby Bolt, co-chair of the Vinings Tour of Homes, said five homes are new to the tour this year and will showcase the community's diversity.

"As a community, Vinings is somewhat eclectic in the style of homes. We have small houses, large, contemporary and traditional. What we've tried to do with the tour is get a similar composite of houses so we have a little bit of everything to reflect the ambiance of Vinings," she said. "Each home is unique in its own fashion. We made sure there is something unique about each home that would make it a special interest."

The Vinings Tour of Homes' presenting sponsors this year are The Aberdeen on Paces Ferry and Harry Norman Realtors, who represent The Battery on Paces Ferry. Guests will be able to view model homes in both complexes as part of the tour.

On Saturday night, a preview party at the Farmington Drive home of Nancy and Rick Armstrong will kick off the event. The party, dubbed "Wine at the Lodge," will feature cocktails and hors d'oeuvres catered by South City Kitchen. Airline tickets, original art and jewelry are among the items that will be up for bidding during a silent auction, Bolt said.

The annual Vinings Tour of Homes typically attracts around 400 people, said Gillian Greer, executive director of the Vinings Historic Preservation Society.

"The Tour of Homes is historically our largest fundraiser of the year. Last year, we raised $25,000 from the event, and we're hoping it will be our biggest fundraiser again this year," she said.

Bolt said many attendees are neighbors just looking to catch up.

"In this community, we all embrace each other. People gravitate towards events like this that bring us together. It's a chance for neighbors to get together and enjoy each other's company. It also brings everyone together for a good cause," Bolt said.

A portion of the tour proceeds will help establish a scholarship for a college student, Greer said. The remaining proceeds will go to the Vinings Historic Preservation Society.

Tour tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on Sunday. Tickets to the preview party are $75 and include admission to Sunday's tour. The homes will be open Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at Vinings-area retailers, at the Vinings Historic Preservation Society's office on the corner of Paces Mill and Paces Ferry Roads or online at www.vinings.org. For more information, call (770) 432-3343.