Photo Gallery: WinterFest Coordinators Judge Holiday Lighting Contest

Mahwah held its 2nd annual Lighting Contest Wednesday night. Members of the Mahwah Chamber of Commerce braved the cold to view intricate displays of light on buildings and figurines from one end of the township to the other. There were three categories: residential, business/public building, and best in the "Eyes of a Child."

Each judge rated the 16 entrants on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Sharon Rounds, Chamber Executive Director, said that decisions were based on "the most creative and imaginative use of lights to showcase each property."

All of the judges then add their numbers together to come up with a final score for each contestant.

The winners will be announced at the WinterFest finale on Jan. 29, and will be posted on the Chamber website. Winners in each category will receive restaurant gift certificates in the amounts of $100 for the first-prize winner, $50 for second place, and $25 for third place. In addition, each entrant will receive a rosette ribbon keepsake.

The winners last year were:

For best Business or Public Building:
1st place –
2nd place tie –
2nd place tie –
3rd place – Lorenzo Landscapes & Design
Honorable Mention –

In the Residential Category:
1st place: Gus and Diane Ferraioli
2nd place: Pat Ortlieb
3rd place: Ron Carletta

In the "Eyes of a Child"category:
1st place: Jen and Gary Kozdra
2nd place: Robert & Annabelle Fremgen
3rd place: John and Nancy Reiter

In the energy-conserving "Green" category:
1st place Melissa Van Duren

Good luck to all who entered this year!!