Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
ALL DECKED OUT — The home of Deb McGary on Spring Street was voted the winner in the “All Decked Out” division of the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce’s holiday light contest.
By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
HOULTON — The artistic talents and creativity of local residents is currently on display thanks to a pair of contests sponsored by the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce.
Edible creations are now on display at the Courtyard Café as part of the fifth annual Gingerbread House Building contest.
The 5th annual Gingerbread House contest was a sweet success for all,” said Lynn Parker, interim executive director for the Chamber. “The contest blends baking, humor, creativity, frosting tasting and lots of hard work by all who participated.”
This year, only 10 individuals constructed gingerbread houses for the competition, down from 21 a year ago. Those entering gingerbread houses had three nights that they could deliver their creations to the Courtyard Café. The houses are available for viewing at the restaurant.
The winners in the gingerbread contest, as determined by a group of independent judges, were as follows:
Adult (18-and-older) — 1, Jacquie Morse.
Youth (ages 12-17) — 1, Miriam Rogan; and 2, Olivia Winslow.
Child (5-11) — 1, Olivia Cyr; 2, Riley Fitzpatrick; 3, Cole Winslow; with Austin Winslow and Alyssa Abbotoni, Blue Ribbons winners.
Group/Family —1, Crafty Critters 4-H; and 2, Stepping Stones.
Homes and businesses were also challenged to decorate their exteriors in holiday splendor, with several categories to choose from. Participation in this portion of the Chamber contest was down from a year ago with only nine homes and six businesses participating. Last year, there were 12 homes and 15 businesses that participated. There is no entry fee to participate in the contest.
Winners in the Home Decorating Contest were:
Traditional – 1, Barbara Swallow, 33 Highland Ave.; and 2, Daniel Devoe, 2 Park St.
White Christmas — 1, Merle and Sue Kingsbury, 57 Hillview Ave.; and 2, Floyd and Vicky Monroe, 894 County Road, New Limerick.
All Decked Out — 1, Deborah McGary, 20 Spring St.; and 2, John and Kathy Joseph, 52 Green St.
In the Business Decorating Contest, the coveted trophy moves this year from Paradis Shop n’ Save to Main Street Fitness, while Farm Service Agency won for the “Best Exterior.”
All of the winners received Chamber Bucks gift certificates that promote local businesses in the community.
“The Chamber wishes to thank all of those who entered the contest,” Parker said. “What a wonderful way for the community to come together at the holidays.”
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| Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr LOTS OF LIGHTS — The 52 Green St. home of John Joseph finished second in the “All-Decked Out” category of the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce’s holiday light contest. |
CONFECTIONARY CASTLE — Olivia Cyr of Houlton won the child (ages 5-11) division in the Chamber’s gingerbread making contest. |
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| TASTY CREATION — Miriam Rogan won the Youth (ages 12-17) division of the Chamber’s gingerbread contest. | ON THE FARM — The Crafty Critters 4-H group was the first-place winner in the Group/Family division of the Chamber’s gingerbread contest for their red barn creation, complete with edible bunnies and pigs. |
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| ADULT WINNER — Jacquie Morse was the winner of the adult category in the Chamber’s gingerbread contest. |
