Christmas House and Business Decorating Contest Planned for 2021

The 28th annual Marco Island Christmas House and Business Decorating Contest Committee met at the Esplanade on July 12 to celebrate “Christmas in July”- a planning and socializing event organized by committee member, Judy Sacher. Decorating Committee founders and Co-Chairs Dave and Jeanne Rice announced the schedule for the 2021 event. 

The contest begins with the preliminary judging of houses and businesses on December 13-15 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. For the house decorating contest, 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 top 10 decorated homes are selected from the zone finalists on December 15 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. The final judging to determine the 2021 Champion is on December 17 with the judges visiting the top 10 homes via Santa’s Christmas Trolley. The judges bus departs from the Iberia Bank parking area at 6:30 PM for those that wish to join in the parade.

Said Rice, “We expect to judge over 2,000 homes and some 200 businesses this year as the community “Lights Up For Christmas”. 

Members of the committee include Dave and Jeanne Rice, Bob Boland and Lyn Bedell, Bette McGilvray and Steve Josselyn, Marc Creach and Kristina Lambros, Keith and Barbara Dameron, Sandy Dauch, Ken and Diane Honecker, Jerry Swiacki and Linda Turner, Larry and Judy Sacher, Bruce Robertson, Mary Vertin, Jacki Strategos and Richard Droste, Carla and Mike Mickes, Lauri Kalanges, Betty Newman and Russ Simmons, and Debbie and Marty Roddy.

The Christmas House and Business Decorating Committee is an independent organization funded by 28-year sponsor Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC). Sponsorship of the Finals Night Social is by Iberia Bank. The Marco Island Chamber of Commerce is instrumental in keeping business members informed of the details of the business contest. 

For information contact Chairman, Dave Rice, at 239-250-2175 or at marcodave@comcast.net.