Young Professionals And City Of Parma Held Annual Holiday Lights Contest

The Young Professionals of Parma (YPOP), in conjunction with the City of Parma, hosted the city’s annual Holiday Lights contest. More than 40 households entered and members of the YPOP Board of Directors voted to select 10 finalists. Then, YPOP held a free judging event open to the public. Company Car & Limousine provided a limo bus complete with red and green lights and holiday music to chauffeur participants around to assess each finalist on coverage, showmanship and aesthetics.  “In past years, we’ve had a car caravan and a smaller bus, but this year was the culmination of what we think the event should be,” Jackie Baraona, YPOP president, said. “It’s a chance for residents to come out, have fun and see how clever some of our homeowners are with their holiday lights!” 

Four houses came out on top:

Overall: 8050 Royalview Dr.

Coverage: 5711 Laverne Ave.

Aesthetics: 7755 Hoertz Rd.

Showmanship: 8119 Covington Ave.

Winners received gift cards from Das Schnitzel Haus and Chuppa’s Market, but participants said they didn’t submit just for the prizes.

"We got into doing the lights because we remembered what it was like to go see Christmas lights with our families when we were younger,” Evelyn Martin of the overall winning house on Royalview Dr. said. “We are now on the other side, watching everyone's face light up when they see our display. We sometimes hand out candy canes to all who come. Watching the excitement from others and knowing we helped put a smile on their face puts a smile on ours." 

“My favorite thing to do as a kid at Christmas time was to drive around with family and see all the houses’ and the city's lighting displays,” Brian Kwiatkowski of aesthetics winner 7755 Hoertz Rd. said. “I'm trying to pay that experience forward to the people of my community.” 

"We entered this contest to bring awareness to our neighborhood displays,” Jim Mosley of 2118 Keystone, a Top-10 finalist, said. “Putting the display together is always a joyful time with our neighbors. It’s about spreading cheer and encouraging everyone to forget their troubles and focus on the true meaning of Christmas: family and togetherness."  

Photos and videos of all finalists are available to view at parmayps.com/holiday-lights. Use the list to take your own holiday lights tour around Parma!






Kathie Zipp

Kathie Zipp is marketing director for the Young Professionals of Parma. 

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Volume 12, Issue 1, Posted 1:49 PM, 01.01.2020