Awarded at Last! House Decorating Winner 21 Years in the Making

At this year’s 30th Annual House Decorating Contest, Homeowners at 1208 Fruitland, Brian and Patty Quinn accepted their awards from Committee Chairman Dave Rice and the Christmas House Decorating Committee. What makes this year’s winner so special, however, is their continued dedication and hard work that placed them in the Top 10 Finalists for 21 consecutive years. The awards included a winner’s plaque, the traditional yard sign for the annual display, the Traveling Trophy, and a lifetime achievement award for being in the Top 10 finalists for 21 years in a row. 

All of the homes that placed within the Top 10 were awarded a Finalist Award Plaque by the Christmas House Decorating Committee and the respective judges for each zone. This year’s winner of the House Decorating contest was selected from 1,694 lighted homes throughout the island. The 2023 Top 10 Finalists are: 920 Ruby Court, 865 Swan (2017 Winner), 1591 Galleon, 1625 Ludlow, 1711 Ludlow, 1842 Dogwood, 1952 Sheffield, 1453 Bermuda, 1208 Fruitland, and 1232 Fruitland. Previous winners who were “lit” in 2023 but not eligible this year include: 151 Channel CT., 1264 Whiteheart, 513 Nassau, 1572 Shores CT., and 1955 Sheffield.

The business winner will also receive the traditional Winner’s plaque and Outdoor Winner’s Sign to display annually. Chairpersons Kristina and Marc Creach, Mindy Starr, and Dave Rice visit the winning business to present the award. Winners of the Business Decorating Contest in the previous five years include Kay’s on the Beach (2022), Marco Island Center for the Arts (2021), Keller Williams Realty (2020), The Madeira (2019), and Scuba Shop (2018). This year’s business winner is yet to be announced.

Committee Chairman Dave Rice and the Christmas House Decorating Committee excitedly filed out of the trolley upon awarding the Quinn family’s persistent efforts for a group photo in front of the winning house. Brian Quinn happily planted the winning sign in the front yard, lit by a spotlight that had been at the ready, in the event that they won. The Quinn family celebrated and jumped up and down upon finding out that they’d won, a heartwarming way to put everyone in the holiday spirit.