By T.W. ALLEN
PDT Staff Writer

Main Street Portsmouth is set to host it's annual tour of Lofts Oct. 5th from 1-5 p.m. In years past, the tour has been held in December and has been contingent on the weather.

"In December, you are always iffy with the weather, December is a month when there is a lot going on in the city. The tour is also showcasing downtown living opportunities and is also helping to draw people downtown," Jennifer Hanlon, city of Portsmouth Community Dev-elopment Director said.

There are also a number of activities happening in October. Officials are hoping to bring more people downtown to the events with more going on.

In conjunction with the Tour of Lofts, there will be a Phantom Art Gallery held on the first floor of the former Martings building.

Lofts being toured this year include the Lofts on Gallia Street, Park Apartments and Mildred Bailey Residence on Fourth Street. The loft above Perfect Sense also will be toured, along with a property on the north side of Market Square across from Community Action that's currently being redone.

"We are now going to try to get people used to having the event the first weekend in October. We hope this is the date that's here to stay for a while, unless we get a great deal of negative feedback," Hanlon said.

Two local restaurants that usually are not open on Sunday will be open for the tour