Home decorating contest lights up Lower this weekend

Written by Mary Linehan Thursday, December 13, 2012 12:22 pm

LOWER TOWNSHIP – Just a week after their successful Christmas parade here, Rotary Club members will fan out across the township this weekend to recognize holiday home decorating prowess.

“We really have a lot of residents who decorate beautifully,” said Rotary Club president Claudia Kammer, who retired after 27 years as the township’s clerk this past summer. “So Rotary started the contest a few years back. We don’t get as many entries as you’d expect, given how festive homeowners make it around here.”

Kammer said that the entry list at the township’s municipal complex comprised eight addresses, as of Wednesday morning.

“People can still sign up through Friday,” she said, noting that the judging takes place over the weekend at various times. “The judges pick up a list of addresses, pile their families in the car and make the tour.”

The judging panel, which includes past winners as well as Rotarians, score each home on a scale of 1-10.

“It is not a complicated system. I guess people know what they like when they see it, so – with the variations for taste – the scores can vary widely from judge to judge,” said Kammer. “Some people like to really see a display loaded up, while someone else might score well for a theme or a simple display.”

With the judging set to take place throughout Saturday, Dec. 15 and Sunday, Dec. 16, proud residents can sign up at the Municipal Building at 2600 Bayshore Road, Villas or email their name, street address and phone number to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The deadline for registering is noon on Dec. 14.

“You have to sign up to win,” said Kammer, who noted that the top prize comes with bragging rights and a yard sign reflecting the top honors. “No, there’s no prize – but there’s no entry fee either. People take pride in their homes and we think this is fun way to recognize that holiday spirit.”