CASSOPOLIS — The Bonine House in Vandalia was filled with holiday cheer Sunday afternoon, as dozens of people visited to see the Christmas decorations that adorned every room and to hear the sound of carolers that echoed throughout the house.

The Underground Railroad Society of Cass County completed its sixth annual Christmas at the Bonine House event Sunday evening. The celebration allowed people to take tours of the historic Underground Railroad site, as well as see elaborate holiday decorations and visit with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, who were in attendance to visit with the children.

This year, the event was spread over four days, with hours from 1 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 2-3 and Dec. 9-10. Organizers estimate that around 1,500 people attended the event over the course of four days, making the event a success, they said.

Though the event was free of charge to attend, the URSCC appreciated donations, which will go toward improvements to the Bonine and Carriage houses in the coming year.

“It’s been really great,” said URSCC member and event organizer Cathy LaPointe. “We’ve been lucky to have good weather and a good turnout.”

Because the event was open two weekends instead of one, as was done in previous years, the event had a higher turnout, LaPointe said.

Members of the URSCC got the idea to host the event on multiple weekends last year, after the scheduled weekend got snowed out and the group opted to host the event again the next weekend. After that, the group decided to stick with a two weekend event, as it allowed people to get the word out about it more.

“We like the idea of being open two weekends,” LaPointe said. “So, going forward, we will always do that. It will always be the first and second weekend in December.”

LaPointe believes that people show up to Christmas at the Bonine House year after year, not only because it is a fun event, but because it allows people to see the improvements on the Bonine House and celebrate of the history of the Underground Railroad in Cass County.

“[Christmas at the Bonine House] is important because it touches everyone in this community. Everyone relates to this house; they have been coming here for years. A lot of people are actually related to some of the families that lived here,” LaPointe said. “The history of this house is so amazing. The people that lived here were brave to do what was right in the face of danger. I think that is a history worth preserving and showcasing.”

Those who attended the event agreed with LaPointe’s sentiments.

Roger Leach, a Cassopolis resident and distant relative of James Bonine ­— the man who built the Bonine House — said he brings his family every year to Christmas at the Bonine House to experience the history of the residence.

“I just enjoy seeing the changes and the updates that have taken place [at the house], and all the decorated rooms are nice to see,” Leach said. “It’s cool to be in the house of [my relative]. It’s neat to see how the house has been restored and the rich history.”

Leach said that Christmas at the Bonine House was a great way to remind people of the rich history of the house, because it does so in a fun and festive way.

“It is just really cool and fun to see everything all lit up and decorated,” he said. “It’s a great way to celebrate history.”