The Pine River Chamber of Commerce Christmas light contest doubled in size in its third year.
In past years, the competition received one to two entrants in the residential contest and three in the commercial category. This year, there were three residential entrants - on County 118 Northwest, on Norse Lane Southwest and on York Street.
The six commercial entrants were Trussworthy Components, Sherwood Florist, North Pointe Realty, Lakeplace.com, River Fitness and Tuck-A-Way Resort.
Valerie Keller, at 112 York St., managed a win after judges said the home immediately resembled a gingerbread house.
Randy and Maureen Henke, at 241 County 118, dazzled judges with the sheer work and volume of lights that were reminiscent of years gone by and complete with Christmas music.
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The third contestant was no slouch either with lights wrapped around trees and strung around the corner of the garage, making this not only a difficult year to judge, but the most festive contest yet.
Tuck-A-Way Resort was once again transformed into a whole village complete with themed sections, giving the resort the win for the second year in a row.
Sherwood Florist had tough competition for second place this year, ranging from the elegant simplicity of Northe Pointe Realty, the patriotism of Trussworthy Components, River Fitness's blinking light display and the nativity at Lakeplace.com.
Sherwood Florist, also a prize-winner two years running, went above and beyond the call of duty with lights inside as well as outside on the roof, inside the greenhouse and on all four sides of the business, including the fence on the back side of the property.
Travis Grimler is a staff writer for the Pineandlakes Echo Journal weekly newspaper in Pequot Lakes/Pine River. He may be reached at 218-855-5853 or travis.grimler@pineandlakes.com.
