CHARLESTON -- The city has selected this year's Christmas decoration contest winners.
Each year, a group of judges rates decorations entered into the city's Parks & Recreation Department’s Spirit of the Holidays outdoor decorating contest. This year, there were 10 entries.
They were judged on lighting, creativity, cohesiveness, technical and spirit, said Megan Henness, the city's recreation supervisor. This year awards included best theme, best apartment, best use of lights and the Griswold award, which was given to the home that best resembled the Griswold house from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
Winners included:
- First Place: The Moran Family, 1218 Monroe Ave.
- Second Place: The Adams Family, 12216 Old State Road
- Third Place: The Dunlap Famly, 887 Division St.
- The Griswold Award: The Fischer Family, 1219 Monroe Ave.
- Best Theme: The Smith Family, 610 Hickory Lane
- Best Apartment: The Passig Family, 1950 Douglas Street, Apt. 5
- Best Use of Lights: The Stout Family, 8 Stonegate Drive
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Prizes varied for each winner. First-place winners get a prize pack valued at $200; second place, $150; and third place, $130. The prizes were donated by Shelter Insurance-Chris Clayton, Noble Flower Shop, First Neighbor Bank, Diepholz Auto Group, Pilson Auto Center, Ace Hardware, Starbucks, Aryb’s, Swee Teaz, Coles Moultrie Electric, Century 21KIMA Properties, Trendy Trunk Boutique, El Rancherito, Plush Boutique, Bike and Hike, Brick House Bar & Grill and Dairy Queen.
The judges this year included Jasmine Woodley, Sara Caldwell, Devon Reyes, Cesar Aranda, Doug Henness and Ethen Frierson.
Along with those awards, residents will be able to vote on their favorites on the city's Park and Recreation Facebook page. Voting will be open until 4 p.m. Thursday, after which a winner of a People's Choice Award will be selected.
Megan Henness noted there were many other "beautifully decorated houses that were not entered into our contest." She encouraged them to enter next year.