Paris, Tenn.–The Paris Board of Public Utilities and the Historic Atkins-Porter Neighborhood Association have once again partnered on a Christmas outing the entire community has enjoyed this holiday season and winners of the annual decorating contest have been announced.
The neighborhood’s Seventh Annual Gift of Light runs nightly through Monday, January 1.
Seven award winners were chosen by an out-of-town judge, and trophies were presented over the weekend by BPU Staff, Lori Barrow and Bethany Edwards, along with Terrell and neighbors Vickey Roberts, Kathy Collins and Pat Terrell.
The BEST RELIGIOUS AWARD was presented to Jim and Ginger Eichler at 308 Lake Street, which was described by the judge as “a lovely, little Christmas haven. If you want to find it,” she said, “follow the star.”
Winners of the BEST HOUSE award at 312 Thompson were Jason and Krystel Bucher who enjoy adding to their display every year. “We hope it encourages folks to slow down during this busy season and enjoy the moment,” they said.
The BEST PORCH award was presented to the Guffey family at 329 Edgewood. “It’s hard to resist all those colorful lights wound around every spindle and post. I expected an elf to pop out of the front door,” said the judge.
Robby Miller and Christopher Justice 702 East Wood Street received the BEST YARD award for their lighted presentation that moves from an antique nativity scene highlighted by white lights on the front lawn to thousands of colorful, festive lights in the backyard.
With lights from one side of their lawn to the other and everywhere in-between, the Price family of 422 Whitehall Circle was the winner of the CLARK GRISWOLD Award. No stranger to the winners’ circle, Kevin Price continues the Christmas tradition he grew up on, hanging lots of lights that can be enjoyed by all.
Shrubbery covered in colorful lights and small, lighted treasures in the windows at 616 Ogburn garnered the JUDGES’ FAVORITE AWARD for first-time winner, Dennis Hartman.
“It’s not a big, bold display,” said the judge, “It’s sort of an old-school take on Christmas. It’s sweet and colorful and a little reminiscent of days gone by.” That should resonate with Hartman, who said, “As the father of six, we’ve been celebrating Christmas a long time.”
With an array of brightly lit homes to its credit, Edgewood was named MOST APPEALING STREET. Other streets featuring merry displays include Dunlap, Jackson, Walnut, Blanton, Boundbrook, Blanton, Head, E. Blythe, Corbin, Whitehall and more. Visit HAPNA of Atkins Porter Neighborhood for more information. (Note, members of the HAPNA Board of Directors were ineligible to win.)
2023 Historic Atkins-Porter Neighborhood Association Christmas Lighting Contest winning addresses:
Best Religious – 308 Lake Street
Best House – 312 Thompson
Best Porch – 329 Edgewood
Best Yard – 702 East Wood Street
Clark Griswold – Price family – 422 Whitehall Circle
Judge’s Favorite – 616 Ogburn
Most appealing street – Edgewood Street
“We are so happy to be partnering with HAPNA for this traditional event,” said BPU General Manager Terry Wimberley. “These neighbors have done an outstanding job.”
Atkins-Porter Association resident Rachel Terrell invited the community to drive or stroll through the historic neighborhood and “get in the Christmas spirit. There’s something for everyone from traditional lighted decorations to blow up characters that youngsters will recognize and love.”
The Association especially encourages everyone to walk through the incredible display at the neighborhood’s botanical garden at 311 Jackson. It’s always open to the pubic, and it’s a fabulous place to walk through and take holiday photos.
The neighborhood is bordered by Dunlap, East Wood and Veterans Drive.
Photo: This shimmering photo of 312 Thompson Street is a twinkling reminder of the many decorated homes in the Historic Atkins-Porter Neighborhood. This home won Best House.