Award Sign and Plaqcue presentation Left to Right – Dave Rice, Chairman, Amanda and Kevin Gladish and Kayden and Kinley and dog TuckerG

House Winner: 20 Tahiti Rd.

Business/Non House Facility Winner

Tradewinds Condominium

The Marco Island House and Business Decorating Contest final judging took place on December 19th from 6:30 -10:30 PM. Judging teams traveled every street on the Island to view over 1600 properties displaying Christmas décor.

Plaques were presented to the Top 10 Home Contest Finalists. The Winner of the Business/Non House Facility Contest received a plaque and a yard sign for annual display. The House Decorating winner received a Winners plaque, yard sign and $250.00. LCEC, the events premier sponsor since the contest’s inception, provided the funds for the event.   Centennial Bank annually sponsors the committees tailgate party prior to the finals.

The contest, originated by Dave Rice in1997 has been a family tradition. David Rice Jr. and Jeanne Rice have chaired the event periodically. For 2014, Dave and Jeanne co-chaired the event supported by a multitude of well known civic minded citizens. Every year, more and more of Marco Island’s residents and business owners get involved in contributing to the holiday spirit and the committees theme – “Light Up Marco”. Said Rice, “2014 not only showed an increase of the number of properties decorated, the quality continues to impress.”   A traditional car caravan followed the trolley to see the top 10. In addition to the Top 10 finalists, a list of “Worth Seeing” properties are listed for those who wish to view additional Christmas décor.

The rules state that winners cannot repeat as winners for 5 years to ensure the opportunity for others to be successful. However, many prior winners still decorate and set very high standards for everyone.

The winner of the house Decorating contest is located at 20 Tahiti Road, owners, Kevin and Amanda Gladish, children, Kayden, Kinely and dog, Tucker

2014 Finalists -Top 10 Homes:

20 Tahiti

161 Bermuda

1208 Fruitland

1232 Fruitland

1369 North Collier

1591 Galleon

1710 Winterberry

1805 Dogwood

85 Delbrook

780 Copeland

“Worth Seeing”

1369 North Collier Blvd – prior winner

151 Channel Court – prior winner

975 Leo Court- prior winner

667 Thrush Court.

184 Stillwater Court.

The winner of the Business/NonHouse Category is: the Christmas Tree Decoration covering 3 condo’s at the Tradewinds Condominium located on Seaview Court. The winning team of the three condo’s are from top to bottom, Wilma Sanders and Harold Roth, Bob and Elaine Homer and Dennis and Elaine Todisco.

Worth Seeing in the category are:

Arturo’s Restaurant, Bald Eagle Drive

Porky’s Restaurant, Bald Eagle Drive

Lutheran Church Nativity Exhibit on Collier Blvd.

Marco Island City Hall, Bald Eagle Drive

Condee Cooling and Electric, Front Street

Stated Rice, “On behalf of the committee, a sincere thank you for all who enjoy the opportunity of “Lighting up Marco” and making everyone’s Christmas and Holiday Season special.

The members of the committee are:

Co-Chairperson, Jeanne Rice; Treasurer, Bob Boland, Secretary, Donna Rohrback and Jim Rohrbach; Carla and Mike Mickes; Public Relations Chairman, Dick Niess and Ann Niess; Chamber of Commerce President, Nancy Carrington and Joe Carrington; City Councilman, Larry Sacher and Judy Sacher, Planning Board member Marty Roddy and Debbie Roddy, Paula Robinson, past Volunteer of the Year Recipient and Richard Robinson; YMCA Icon and past Citizen of the Year recipient, Dottie Wiener; Liz and Bill Doyle; City Councilman, Ken Honecker and Diane Honecker; Jerry Swiacki, Vice Chairman, Eagle Sanctury; Linda Turner, Director of Operations, Eagle Sanctuary; Barry and Peggy Grass; President, MI Area Board of Realtors, Bette McGilvray; Steven Josselyn: Sue and Jeff Hewson and Committee Chairman,and 2012 Marco Island Citizen of the Year, Dave Rice. Also part of the Finals Judging committee are invited representatives of LCEC, Tricia Dorn and Centennial Bank representative, Diana Aruta and bank personnel. Following the awards presentation, Larry and Judy Sacher hosted the annual after event celebration party.