Christmas Decorating Contest 2023 Dates Announced

The 30th annual Marco Island Christmas House and Business Contest Committee met at the Esplanade at CJ’s and Mango’s to celebrate “Christmas in July.” The evening, organized by Committee member Judy Sacher, included a Cocktail Party at CJ’s followed by dinner at Mango’s. Committee Chairman Dave Rice announced the dates and plans for this year’s contest which has particular importance as it is the 30th Anniversary of the contest. It also marks the 30th year of sponsorship by LCEC and the service of Tricia Dorn as LCEC’s representative to the contest committee. 

The dates for the 2023 Christmas House and Business Decorating Judging are as follows:

December 11-13 - Preliminary Judging on all three nights from 6:30- 9:30 PM.

December 15 - Final Judging Trolley Ride to select the 2023 House Decorating Winner. 

The Trolley leaves from the First Horizon Bank @ 6:30 PM for those who wish to join in and follow the trolley. 

The contest begins with three nights of preliminary judging. The Island is divided into nine zones and judging teams select the top contenders in each zone by visiting every street on the island. The third night of preliminary judging selects the top ten from the top contenders from the zone judging.

Said Rice, “Annually, the number of decorated properties continues to grow and we have expectations to exceed the previous record number of homes (2,015) and businesses (150) as the community “Lights Up For Christmas.”

The Business Decorating Contest is held concurrently with the House Contest and is chaired by Marc and Kristina Lambros Creach and assisted by Mindy Star. The Marco Island Chamber of Commerce assists with distributing contest information to local business members.

The Christmas Decorating Committee will next meet in November at their annual Pot Luck dinner to finalize plans and review procedures for the 2023 judging. Members of the committee in the photo include (front row from left): Allyson Richards, Jacki Strategos, Dee Honecker, Richard Droste, Judy Sacher, Dave Rice, Linda Turner, Larry Sacher, and Kristina Lambros Creach.

(Back row from left): Bob Boland, Lyn Bedel, Jim Richards, Marc Creach, Jerry Swiacki, Ken Honecker, Mike Mickes, Carla Mickes, Lilibeth Nordell, Rachel Schenk, Russ Simmons, Betty Newman, Mindy Starr, and Jeanne Rice.

Not Pictured: Sandy Dauch, Marty and Debbie Roddy, Lauri Kalanges, Mary Vertin and Bruce Robinson, and Steve Joselyn and Bette McGilvray.