The Over the Back Yard Fence Tour may become an annual happening after the success of the inaugural event on Sunday put on by Ironton in Bloom.

The local organization, dedicated to improving the landscape of downtown Ironton, pulled in $1,110 from the one-day fundraiser. Seven homeowners in the Ironton area opened their doors to visitors showing off a variety of landscape designs.

“They came in the heat and came from Ashland, Huntington, Gallipolis,” said Judy Sanders, tour co-chair along with Jan Wolfe. “Those on the tour really rose to the occasion. They had big buckets of ice and lemonade at every house. The yards were just beautiful.”

Headquarters for the afternoon event was at the Lawrence County Historical Society Museum where docents hosted a reception of cookies, ice tea and cold water.

About 70 tickets were sold ahead of time with 30 more purchased during the day of tour.

“From the looks of it, this being our first attempt, we had no hitches at all,” Sanders said. “If the weather is a little kinder (next year), we could do even better.”

The money raised will go toward the maintenance of the numerous hanging baskets and flowerpots that decorate downtown. IIB has a contract with Mamaw’s Greenhouse in Scioto County, owned by Ruth and Doug Cade and Shirley Saunders, for putting out and caring for the flowers.

Next for IIB is a fundraiser with Bob Evans where the restaurant will donate 15 percent of that day’s proceeds to the organization.

The restaurant day is slated for Monday from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Those wishing IIB to receive the donation must have a flyer with them when they dine at the Bob Evans at 1224 Carter Ave., Ashland, Ky.

Flyers are available at M&M Realty on Park Avenue or from any IIB member.