On December 17, a spirited group of judges gathered together with the unenviable task of trying to determine whose holiday light displays would reign supreme.
Each category had one grand prize winner who received a lovely holiday gift, compliments of the Middleridge Civic Association. Group Award winners remained eligible for individual awards.
Special thanks to Al and Sandy Obuchowski for organizing and running the The Holiday Lights Decorating Contest this year. Also, thanks to Brian and Jessica Heinz and their son Declan, as well as John and Judy Mitros who worked with Al and Sandy as judges for the home displays. Without further ado, we present…
2022 Judging categories, criteria, and winners
Winner: The Biskaduros Family
Williamsburg Award
Decorations are in the classic Williamsburg style. All lights must be white – no colored lights. May use candles, evergreens (real or artificial), ribbons and fruit displays over doorways, windows, etc. Spotlights may be used to enhance the appearance of the evergreen or fruit displays. Figures are not included in this display category.
Traditional Award
Lights can be any color, any style and may frame the house, and/or be draped over bushes, trees or other parts of the yard and home. Figures, like Santa, snowman, deer or other seasonal creatures may be used. Spotlights may be used to enhance the display.
Winner: The Foerster Family
Winner: The Rheingans Family
Wattage Award
Consists of large, extensive display of colored and/or white lights and figures (animated or not). Can include lights on the house, roof, trees, bushes, fences, walkways, basketball hoops or other yard features. It is all about volume, with a touch of amazement.
Judges Special Award
Awarded to a home that uses a unique technique to achieve a special decorative and/or festive holiday display. This may include styles or themes that do not quite fit any of the above categories or may be a mixture of several categories.
Winner: The James Family
Winners: The Horwatt & Lyristis Families; The Stasny Family; The Bill & Jill Jones Family; The Merante Family
Group Award
Awarded to a group of three or more houses that are similarly decorated and that present a consistent look for the Holiday spirit. Any tasteful decorating style can be used. Each house will receive recognition.