Each year, the Service League of Crystal Lake hosts their annual housewalk to raise money for the charitable work they do. It’s also a chance for homeowners to get inspired. “You get great decorating ideas,” said Nancy Martin, the Service League’s housewalk chair.

In the past, guests toured four homes in Lakewood and Crystal Lake in either the morning or evening. This year, however, three unique homes will be featured. The fourth stop will be the Dole Mansion, where designers will stage the exclusive, historic rooms.

The 2008 housewalk will be on Friday, September 19, from either 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event. Seniors, 62 and older, can purchase their tickets for $15. Tickets are available at CLIX (33 N. Williams St. in downtown Crystal Lake), Countryside Nursery (5301 E. Terra Cotta in Crystal Lake), Flowerwood (7645 Rt. 14 in Crystal Lake), It’s My Bag (89 Grant St. in downtown Crystal Lake) and online at www.slcrystallake.org. Service League members also have tickets available.

The Market at the Dole will feature vendors selling jewelry, clothing, acces-sories, home décor and more. It’s My Bag will feature an item designed exclusively for the housewalk. The Market will be open during Friday’s housewalks, Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admittance is free with a housewalk ticket and $10 without. Ten percent of the sales from the Market will go to the Service League.

Guests can also win some cash. Two thousand raffle tickets for $5 each will be sold. The $1,000 prize drawing will be held after 9 p.m. on the 19th. Raffle tickets will also be given with each purchase made at the Dole Market. This prize will be a sampling of goodies from each vendor.

McHenry County Living has a sneak peek of the homes that will be featured in the 2008 housewalk. Take a look-you know you want to!