Crowells win first place in Winter Lights competition

First place winners David and Shelley Crowell

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

The awards for the fourth Annual Pincher Creek Winter Lights Competition were given out at a celebration at Perfect Posies on the evening of December 18.

The Grand Prize winners in 2013 were Pincher Creek Co-op General Manager David Crowell, and his wife Shelley. "I didn't think we'd win," said Shelley. "Christmas is my favorite time of year," said Shelley. The couple have a large collection of exterior ornaments that they try to add to every year.


A lot of the Crowell's decorations were not on display on the official judging evening of the contest, December 11, because of difficulties with high winds and deep snow during the week. Some of the judges expressed that they thought that the weather played a large factor in the event this year, limiting people's ability to participate.

The Crowells live on Lebel Street, which also won the Best Block Award. "Maybe next year we'll go with a Sesame Street theme," quipped David. He talked about the town of Bredenbury, Saskatchewan where during the winter festival each street is done in an individual theme during the holidays. Judges let him know that there is a rest period of two years before a property can be judged a winner again, although he was encouraged to continue to put on a beautiful display next year.

Winners:

• First Place Winner and Best Block: Lebel Street
• Second Place: 1092 Albert Avenue
• Third Place: 592 Main Street

Honorable mentions;

• 1044 Rimmington Avenue
• 790 Hyde Street

John Hancock gives a gift to  event supporter Marj Starke

A lovely surprise during the evening was the presentation of a gift to longtime event supporters Ken and Marj Starke by Communities in Bloom, who organized the event,  in appreciation of the community work the Starkes do throughout the year.  The Starkes also own Perfect Posies and donated the prizes for this event.