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North Logan holiday lighting
contest begins
DAH WINNAH:
Last year's winning entry was the home of Bruce Howe.
/ Photo courtesy of Bruce Howe
By Melissa
Salcedo
November 25, 2008 | NORTH LOGAN -- Get out your box
of decorations. The Lights of Christmas home decorating
contest has begun.
Brenda Anthony, who is in charge of organizing the
contest, helped start it 19 years ago. "We drove to
Preston (Idaho) many years ago and saw what their community
did with decorating," she said. The contest began and
North Logan was the first area within the valley to
start this tradition.
Upwards of 100 residents participate in the contest
every year. According to Anthony, decoration has gotten
more professional each year.
"Last year someone had their lights set up so that
when residents drove to their house, Christmas music
would play," she said.
A house doesn't have to be decorated too fancy in
order to win the contest. "Some places have people come
decorate for them, but that's not the important thing.
A wreath that's nicely decorated could give someone
as much of an edge as anyone else," Anthony added.
Anthony is responsible for finding the judges every
year. She likes to find at least three locals. This
year there will be about eight judges. Winners are decided
based upon the judges' taste. "I think we do it pretty
fair, there's a varied group of people judging," she
said.
Bruce Howe, the 1st place winner in last years contest
takes much pride in decorating his house. He doesn't
mind simple, traditional things, but he doesn't like
it when people get too carried away. "It;s not how many
(lights) you put up, its how you put them up," he said.
Howe tries to emulate the Christmas lights he sees
at places such as Temple Square and Disneyland. Last
year, he outlined his sidewalks and driveway with lights.
Another style he likes to use is decorating each outside
window with lights of one solid color. He doesn't like
to use multi-color lights because they aren't as eye-catching
.
Don't expect to see Howe in the winner's circle this
year. Contest rules state that someone can't win two
years in a row. Howe wants to see this rule changed.
He would love to see what the winner from two years
ago did to make his home win, and thinks it would make
for a good competition. However, winning isn't the most
important thing to Howe. "I love to do this, contest
or no contest," he said.
To enter the contest, pick up an entry form at the
city office, or print one off at home from the city's
website. Judging begins Dec. 1. and ends the 15th. Winners
will be announced at the Dec. 17 city council meeting,
and prizes will be awarded. Local businesses such as
Lewiston State Bank, Bennetts Paint and Peterson Allred
Jackson, P.C. sponsor the lighting contest. The 1st
place winner receives $100, 2nd place receives $75 and
3rd place receives $50. Six honorable mentions are rewarded
with pie from Village Inn.
Anthony urges residents to see the lights. "It's fun.
Bundle up, get your thermos of hot chocolate and drive
around and enjoy the community."
NW
MS
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