By Darlene Donloe
Contributing Writer
LADERA HEIGHTS — The inaugural Ladera Heights Holiday Decor Contest has the community shining brightly with a number of elaborate and impressive Christmas lights displays.
The festive holiday contest, which had 32 entrants, began last week and produced eight winners in various categories that included grand prize, best door décor, best window display, kids’ choice and overall winners.
The administrators of Young Families of Ladera, helmed by Barbi Neth, chose the Kids’ Choice winner. The seven community judges (Dorothy Harris, Ran Craycraft, Evangelyn Nathan, Brian Hale Sr., Rick Aldridge, Barbi Neth and Tracie Lyons) used a four-point scale to grade each display for this year’s competition. The scale included 0 (non-applicable), 1 (Nice), 2 (Wow), 3 (Wow, Wow! As good as it gets). Each entry was judged based on overall appearance, window display and door display.
The 2020 Grand Prize went to the home of Gwen and Ron Perry at 6104 Bedford Ave. The home of Alex Rosten at 5421 W. 62nd St., was the 2020 Kid’s Choice winner.
All of the winners received a box of See’s candy and a celebratory sign for their lawn. The Grand Prize winner also received a bottle of champagne.
“Having something like this is particularly important because it was something that could bring the neighborhood together remotely,” said Dorothy Harris, a 21-year Ladera Heights resident, and Ladera Heights Civic Association advisor. “This was something everyone could do at their own homes. It’s the perfect activity for the season. It’s risk- free and COVID safe. Everyone can drive around or walk around the neighborhood and see the lights. Spiritually, it offers pleasure and excitement.”
The contest, the brainchild of longtime Ladera Heights resident Evangelyn Nathan, was sponsored by the Ladera Heights Civic Association and led by LHCA Advisor Dorothy Harris. The Ladera Heights Civic Association Beautification committee ran the event, which included artwork by Barbi Neth.
Darlene Donloe is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers who covers South Los Angeles. She can be reached at ddonloe@gmail.com.
