Christmas lighting contest winners announced

MEEKER I The Meeker Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the annual holiday lighting décor contest Monday.
After the Christmas tree lighting ceremony Dec. 7, judges chose winners from among five business entries and five residential entries this year in four categories: business, residential, people’s choice and senior’s choice (sponsored by the recreation district).
Meeker Drugs, 530 Main St., won first place in the business category with its display of old and new decorations, antique dolls and lots of lights.
Just down the block, Wendll’s Wondrous Things at 594 Main won second place with a “Sassy Chic, Naughty Girl” theme that reminded judges “you don’t always have to be nice to get presents from Santa.”
The historic Meeker Hotel and Cafe earned a third place prize with its employee-decorated display of trees, Santa figurines, wrapped presents, wreaths, garland and lots of lights.
Honorable mentions went to Meeker Realty and Joy Surveying.
This year’s winner in the the residential category was Connie Kelley at 71967 Hwy. 64. Kelley’s LED display features animated gingerbread people and various colored trees.
Tim Leff’s coordinated display of classic country music and more than 2,000 lights at 426 Water St. earned second place.
In honor of their late granddaughter, Kacey Pozorski, Tim and Cindy Nelson designed and created a lighted angel on the side of their garage.
Honorable mentions in the residential category went to Kim and Bill Warren at 160 Strawberry Patch Road and Sue Hicken at 1011 Main St.
“People loved the people’s choice division, which was new this year,” said Katelin Cook, executive director of the Meeker Chamber of Commerce. “We received 25 people’s choice ballots back.”
Connie Kelley was also the winner of the people’s choice award, but turned down the prize since her display won the chamber contest and the senior’s choice category. The prize will go to Gary and Patti Merriam at 803 Pine St. Second place went to Tim and Cindy Nelson, and third place to Frank and Lois Sampson at 811 East Market St., whose LED display “could probably be seen from space.”
Honorable mentions were given to Tim Leff, Vern and Cindy Rholl (756 Eighth St.), Gus and Christine Halandras (789 Ninth St.), Dale and Emma Lou Frisby (309 Market St.), Dick and Cindy Welle (455 Eighth St.) and Herb Hughley (589 Sixth St.).
Senior’s choice first place went to Connie Kelley, second place to Michael and Tabetha Weinbrecht at 119 Fourth St., and third place to Tim Leff.
The winners will receive “chamber bucks” from the chamber of commerce and LED lights from White River Electric Association. First place winners will receive $75, second place winners $50 and third place winners $25.
Cook said people who want to tour the lights around town should check out all the contest entrants, as well as Eighth Street, the houses by the airport, Eighth and Pine, around the soccer field, 12th and Park, Eighth and Garfield, 12th and Garfield, Ute Terrace and head upriver on County Road 8 as well.
“Sleepy Cat has a 60 foot outdoor tree with a star on the top,” Cook added.