The first round of judging for the 34th annual Christmas Home Decorating contest has resulted in first- and second-place winners in each category in each Jefferson City ward.
The contest is sponsored by the News Tribune; the Jefferson City Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department; and Cottonstone Art Gallery and Frame Shop.
All first-place winners will be judged again this week to choose a city winner in each of the six categories. Results from the final judging will be published in a photograph display in the Dec. 24 edition of the News Tribune.
A Tour of Lights map was published in the Dec. 10 edition. The map lists all entrants in the contest and can be used by residents to tour the city and vote for the People's Choice Award using the ballot printed on the map. The deadline for submission is Dec. 26.
The People's Choice Award winner will be announced in the Dec. 31 edition of the News Tribune.
The contest features six categories including:
- Clark Griswold Award for homes with a spectacular lighting display or that incorporate motion lights and music.
- Charlie Brown Award for homes that are simply decorated but full of Christmas spirit.
- Norman Rockwell Award for truly elegant displays that accentuate and coordinate with the beauty and elegance of the home.
- Oh Holy Night Award for homes that feature a religious theme.
- TV Christmas Classics Award for homes that feature great Christmas characters from TV or movies.
- Best Business Lights Display Award.
The preliminary ward winners are:
Ward 1
Charlie Brown: First place, The Hart Family; second place, Marion and Linda Ridenhour.
Clark Griswold: First place, Charyl Clarkston.
O Holy Night, First place, Kevin Kampeter; second place, Karen Elliott.
Ward 2
Clark Griswold: First place, Roy Johnson.
O Holy Night, First place, Nelson Otto.
Ward 3
Charlie Brown: First place, Jayme Prenger; second place, Cheryl Thompson.
TV Christmas Classics: First place, Jeanenne Wilds.
Ward 4
Best Business Display: First place, Ricky Mendez.
Charlie Brown: First place, Audra Parris; second place, Scott Jones.
Clark Griswold: First place, Don Boes, second place, Dell Wilson.
Norman Rockwell: First place, Allan Forbis.
TV Christmas Classics: First place, Robin Smith.
Ward 5
Charlie Brown: First place, Amanda Simpson; second place, Nina Theroff.
Clark Griswold: First place, Jon Ratliff; second place, Shane Kampeter.
Norman Rockwell: First place, Alan Wheat.
O Holy Night: First place, Theresa Schell.
TV Christmas Classics: First place, Sam Brizendine.
This article was edited to correct the misspelling of Jon Ratliff.