Bragging rights determined over best Williamsburg Christmas decorations

When it comes to the neighborhood with the best Christmas decorations in Williamsburg, a new king of the Christmas lights has been crowned in the 17^th Annual Williamsburg Christmas decorating contest.

Moore Lane, which is off Rains Street, won the award for the best decorated neighborhood knocking off The Denham Addition, which had won the award for best decorated neighborhood in 2019 and 2020. Prior to that Cardinal Heights had taken home the title for eight consecutive years.

This year saw a few changes in terms of winners in the annual decorating contest.

For the first time in nine years, there is a new winner in the residential bling bling category as Greg and Darlene Hays of John Street grabbed the award this year, knocking off Randy and Carol Ball of Main Street, who had won the award for eight consecutive years.

Randy and Carol Ball of Main Street weren’t completely shut out this year as they won the Spirit of Christmas Award, which went to the Whitley County Board of Education last year.

For the third consecutive year, the award for best decorated door has changed hands with Richard and Ginger Brashear of Bryant Street winning the title this year.

Bill and Vickie Hollen won the award in 2020, and Don and Cissy Lunce won it in 2019.

Larry and Amy Rector of Highland Park Drive took home the title in the modern traditional category. Chandel and Dustin Chinn won the award in 2020.

In the residential division, Melissa Foley of Third Street won in the traditional category for the second consecutive year

Jill West of Third Street received the award for best theme for the second straight year.

This year the business division awards were broken down into two categories, outside décor and window dressing.

In the outside décor category, The Friendship Center won the first place award, followed by The Store, which received second place honors, and the Whitley County Extension Agency Fine Arts Center, which won third place.

Last year The Friendship Center won the first place award in the business division.

In the window dressing category, Maiden Drug took home first place honors followed by Hollywood Video in second place, and Williamsburg Furniture in third place.

Hollywood Video won the third place award in the business division last year.

“It was a difficult decision for the judges because so many people did such a great job! Go check these out! Thanks to all and Merry Christmas!!!” Mayor Roddy Harrison wrote in a text late Saturday afternoon after canceling the Christmas parade due to weather.

“I know everyone was disappointed not having a parade. I am too. Sometimes you can’t fight the weather! But I am so proud, and everyone else should be too, how our city is decorated by both the residents and our businesses! It is truly beautiful and I thank each of you that participated.”