W’burg Christmas decorating contest winners announced

Bragging rights have officially been determined for the best Christmas decorations in Williamsburg, but this year’s decision was a particularly difficult one for judges, who had ties in two residential categories in the 14th Annual Williamsburg Feels Like Home Christmas Decorating Contest.

“As one of many judges, it was very competitive this year. It was very close among several. There are people that could probably get honorable mention in this as well,” Williamsburg Mayor Roddy Harrison said Tuesday afternoon.

“It took us several days to make a decision. Everybody went back out on Sunday and I think even some last night to finally come up with it. When we finally added up the scores, this is the way it came out. It was close. There were some real pretty decorations.”

In the residential division, for the second year in a row Mike and Gail Bordes and Bill and Vickie Hollen tied for first place in the traditional category. This is the sixth year that Bill and Vickie Hollen have won at least a share of first place in this category.

In the modern traditional category, Brandon Woods and Lana Perkins tied for first place. Last year Woods also tied for first place along with Mark Camparoni.

In the bling, bling category, Randy and Carol Ball once again won for the sixth year in a row. Harrison noted that Ball had more decorations this year than he did last year.

Greg and Darlene Hays won the spirit of Christmas award. Two years ago they tied for first place in the modern traditional category.

For the second time in three years, Richard and Ginger Brashear won the award for best decorated door unseating Melissa Foley, who won the award last year.

For the second year in a row, Jill West brought home the award for Best Christmas Theme. This is only the second year for the award.

For the seventh straight year, Cardinal Heights won the award for Best-Decorated Neighborhood.

In the business division, Bob and Sue Byrd of Byrd CPA won the traditional category for the second time in three years. Butcher, Bowling and Dixon attorneys won the first place award last year in the category.

This year, Butcher law office won the best-decorated door award in the business category.

In the modern traditional category, Gene Siler III Law Office won the first place award. Luleighs brought home the top prize in this category last year.

Harrison added that he encourages people to drive around town looking at the Christmas decorations.

“Everybody needs to get out and just cruise the Burg. If you get out and about, you will be able to see them. I do really appreciate all, who decorated their homes and businesses. They really just make the season better, brighter and it gives people some enjoyment,” Harrison said.

“I think a lot of people just take for granted that you decorate and nobody notices, but they really do notice. I would love to see more houses take part next year. I want to say thank you to all, who did take part in that.”