Gingerbread Trail co-chairs Dale and Omar show off their own
Craftsman bungalow in Waxahachie
Waxahachie couple co-chairing city’s annual Gingerbread Trail of Homes, which includes their historic Craftsman bungalow
From Staff Reports
Dale and Omar are proud to co-chair the 55th Annual Gingerbread Trail of Homes, the largest fundraiser each year for the Ellis County Museum. Working closely with a committee of “wonderful and inspiring people,” the couple aim to “transform this historic event into a celebration that supports art, enriches cultural dialogue, and safeguards the legacy of Waxahachie,” according to a press release on the event.
Dale and Omar made their leap from bustling Dallas to the warm embrace of Waxahachie in 2018, bringing with them a passion for preserving the past. Their story is one of passion, resilience and the belief that by sharing the beauty of historic homes, communities can create lasting bonds across time and generations.
Their home, a stunning 1923 Craftsman bungalow, stands as a living relic of a bygone era.
With its original charm and character, the bungalow isn’t just a home for them and their two miniature schnauzers, Mylo and Luna. It’s also a social hub where friends, family and neighbors gather for lively parties and intimate get-togethers.
It has become a favorite Halloween stop each year, thanks to the fact that the couple always hand out full-size candy bars, and it is a neighborhood favorite for its seasonal splendor.
This spirit of community and celebration mirrors the very essence of Waxahachie, a town known for its friendly people and picturesque streets.
Dale’s favorite hobby is spending time outdoors tending to his gardens. His passion for plants and outdoor design has fully transformed their landscaping into a peaceful and intimate nature retreat.
Omar enjoys working on the interior of their home. Combining their styles and embracing the beauty of the past with modern design, he and Dale have created an inviting and welcoming atmosphere for their guests.
The couple’s entrepreneurial spirit ranges from restoring antique furniture to their upcoming venture in the aesthetics world. This diversity has created opportunities to engage and build strong relationships with their community.
Since their move south, Dale and Omar have become pillars of community dedication and historical preservation. Both became members of the Historic of Waxahachie Inc. in 2019, where Dale has served as a board member since 2020.
Worley House, as Dale and Omar refer to their home, was showcased in 2019 on the Historic Waxahachie Inc.’s Christmas Tour of Homes and then in 2023 on the Gingerbread Trail of Homes, where they celebrated the centennial birthday of their home.
As Waxahachie experiences an era of growth and change, it continues to embrace the essence of small-town living, with a close nurturing community, which they proudly call home.
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Touring the Gingerbread Trail
The city of Waxahachie, located just south of Dallas on I-35, celebrates the area’s legacy, charm and historic beauty with the 55th Annual Gingerbread Trail Tour of Homes, hosted by the Ellis County Museum, on Friday and Saturday, June 6-7, with the premiere party on Thursday, June 5.
This summer tradition allows guests to explore stunning private residences and historic landmarks and take part in new experiences — all while supporting local preservation efforts. Known as the “Gingerbread City” for its ornate Victorian architecture, Waxahachie offers a warm welcome as it opens the doors to its past, tour officials say.
Historic homes on this year’s tour include:
- 900 Bryson St., a grand Queen Anne-style residence with intricate gingerbread trim and period stained-glass windows.
- 502 W. Marvin Ave., which boasts wraparound porches and a rich history, showcasing timeless Southern elegance.
- 512 N. College St., with its lush gardens and interior woodwork that will transport visitors back to Waxahachie’s golden age.
• 515 N. College St., a charming residence featuring authentic turn-of-the-century detailing and a storied past. - 911 E. Marvin Ave., which is an architectural treasure filled with historical character and preserved craftsmanship.
Tickets, available online, start at $33.85 for adult weekend general admission. Tickets are also available for the VIP Tour with the VIP Mimosa Party, the Tour Premiere Party on June 5, a tour of Ellis County Museum established in 1889 and Echoes of the Past Paranormal Tours on Friday and Saturday.
This year’s event also includes bonus tours of several local landmarks, including: - The Texas Theater at 110 W. Main St., a 1920s-era movie palace where entertainment history was made.
- Meat Church BBQ at 106 W. Main St., where the world-renowned barbecue brand’s rustic and historic headquarters are located.
• First United Methodist Church at 505 W. Marvin Ave., home to one of Waxahachie’s oldest congregations and boasting beautiful Gothic architecture. - The Nicholas P. Sims Library at 515 W. Main St., a Carnegie-style library established in 1905 and still serving the community today.
• The historic Ellis County Courthouse at 101 W. Main St., a Romanesque Revival masterpiece and crown jewel of the downtown square.
• Chautauqua Auditorium at 400 S. Grand Ave., a rare octagonal wooden auditorium built in 1902 that once hosted the likes of Booker T. Washington and William Jennings Bryan.
• The Ellis County Master Gardeners Garden Tours which allows guests to enjoy local garden artistry and eco-conscious landscaping across multiple properties.
The Echoes of the Past Paranormal Tours are a new addition to this year’s Gingerbread Trail that will give participants the chance to step into the shadows for a walking tour exploring Waxahachie’s haunted history, with stops at Chautauqua Auditorium and Waxahachie City Cemetery, final resting place of early settlers and Civil War veterans — some of whom are rumored to still roam.
Echoes of the Past Tours are led by experienced paranormal investigators and local historians. They include ghost stories, historical context and real-time demonstrations with paranormal equipment for a perfect mix of the eerie and the educational.
And to top it all off, organizers will be raffling a handcrafted Heritage Quilt made and donated by a local artisan. All raffle proceeds also benefit Ellis County Museum.