BAY MILLS — What better way to drive around and view all the beautiful Christmas decorations set out by Bay Mills families than to hold a contest? The very first Bay Mills Christmas Lights Awards contest was held for this holiday seasons. Winners were selected by a panel of judges that viewed the lights after dark on Dec. 22. Lucky judges were Sharlene Myers, Ken Hopper, Joan Jerman, Aggie Carrick, Katie Hewitt, Lisa Jones (Mrs. Phil Jones, for those of you who don't know her), Jennifer Dale and Selina Vert.
Choices were difficult, and judges were comforted by the fact that this year's contest was only the first of many annual Christmas Lights events.
“Most Original Lighting Arrangement” went to Corrine and Junior Cameron. Check out Santa's sleigh flying through the air!
“Best Decorations” selected for the most eye-catching decorations, went to Harry Parker for his well-thought-out lighting scheme, and don't forget Scooby Doo Santa!
“Best Senior Christmas Lights” went to Wade and Sharon Teeple for their beautifully arranged display.
“Best Senior Decorations” went to Geraldine Parish — need we say more?
“Most Brilliant Display” went to the home with the highest candlepower, Bob and Irma Parrish. It's worth pulling over to view this yard — the more you look, the more there is to see.
“Best Nativity Scene” went to Amelia LeBlanc. There were many fine Nativity Scenes; we chose Amelia's as the standout Nativity because of its cozy, quiet, Christmas spirit.
“Best Use of Natural Materials” went to Marie Cameron for her Nativity scene decorated with real fir boughs.
“Best Santa” was a difficult choice. There were so many great Santas to choose from, this one was a quite a debate, and Robert and Vivian Passage came out on top.
“Most Artistic Arrangement” for the home with the best overall color and balance, went to Pete and Marcea Shaw.
“Best Wreath” had to go to Phil Parish, whose big, beautiful, decorated wreath was placed to show it off day and night.
“Best Garland” went to the Jodi and Jamie Brotherton. The simple garland was elegantly hung the length of their fence.
“Best Decorated Tree” went to Aggie, over her protests as a judge. Her red, white and blue outdoor Christmas tree came from a tree that fell in the November wind storm. The tree was one of three planted by her brother when he was only 10 years old. So, they dragged the top over and decorated it in his memory to honor the boys overseas.
“Best Trees” went to Don Parish — simply gorgeous!
“Best Fence” went to Roland and Rochelle Menominee for the way they decorated their fence.
The contest was sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club of Bay Mills and Bay Mills News.
All winners will receive a New Year's wreath to commemorate their wins in the inaugural Bay Mills Christmas Lights contest.
Watch for photos in our next issue.
