Christmas Decorating Contest Winners

Scott and Maria Schilke of 865 Swan Drive are the winners of the 2017, 21st Annual House Decorating Contest. They received their award from the entire Christmas House Decorating Committee (chaired by Dave and Jeanne Rice) at the conclusion of the judging trolley ride finals on December 15.

The awards included a cash award of $250, a winner’s plaque, and the traditional yard sign for annual display.

This is the second time the Schilkes have won. Their first victory was in 2006 at a previous home at 1299 Winterberry Drive. Scott and Maria said they are determined to win the next time they are eligible (in 2022). Rice stated that the contest has never had a three-time winner and that would be quite an accomplishment.

Business Decorating winner is The SpeakEasy. Owners Dan Collardey and Jimmy Boylan were presented the Business Decorating Winners Plaque and Yard Sign by Business Committee Chairpersons, Kristina Lambros and Marc Creach, along with Chairman Dave Rice. Joining in the presentation were SpeakEasy General Manager Cindy Marotta and Robert Weiss, project decorator. The decorations, which included Santa in his sleigh pulled by animated reindeer, also appeared in the Christmas Island Style Street Parade.

The judges’ Trolley Ride Finals took place on Friday, December 15 following the traditional judges’ Tailgate Party at Centennial Bank. A large number of cars joined in a car caravan and followed the trolley on the judges’ tour of the Top Ten homes. Special guests on the judges’ trolley were ConnectivityMe members Tammie Lambros and Storm Gerwirtz, who were first-prize winners of the 4th Annual Festival of Trees held earlier this month at the Marco Island Center for the Arts.

The winner of the 2017 House Decorating contest was selected from over 1,400 lighted homes. The top 10 finalists are 865 Swan (winner); 1264 Whiteheart; 1453 Bermuda; 91 Bermuda; 1368 Trinidad; 1842 Dogwood; 1625 Ludlow; 780 Copeland; 513 Nassau; 1208 Fruitland.

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.