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here’s a new addition to the Spirit of Christmas that helps brighten up Oriental’s nights: the Light Up Oriental decorating contest.

This was the first year residents and businesses of Oriental were challenged to decorate their homes for the season. The rules were easy: have the decorations up by Monday afternoon, December 7.

Town Commissioners David White, Charlie Overcash, Allen Price, Dianne Simmons, and Martin Barrow acted as judges. They had three nights to make their choices. There were 2 winners each (one resident, one business) in six categories.

The prize, unknown until the awards ceremony, was a drawing from local artist Laura Turgeon:

The Light Up Oriental prize, drawn by local artist Laura Turgeon. Each winner will receive a copy.

There was an honorary mention for the category of “What is that?” Commissioner David White nominated the fishing trawlers that light up Oriental’s harbor most every evening, providing a year round display of lights.

This year’s winners are:

Residential
Most Whimsical: Mary Ellen Ham
Most Lighting: Wilma Kennedy
Most Animated: Carla Fisher
Most Nautical: Dan & Leslie Allen
Most Traditional: Claudine Fields
What The Heck Is That: Cheryl Thompson

Businesses
Most Whimsical: Oriental Village Veterinary
Most Lighting: Oriental Deli
Most Animated: Village Hardware
Most Nautical: Brantley’s
Most Traditional: Mariner Realty
What The Heck Is That: Provision Company

Organizer Marsha Paplham said Light Up Oriental will become an annual Spirit of Christmas competition.

Winner for Most Lights Residence: Wilma Kennedy at on Water Street between Hodges and Main Streets..

Winner for Most Whimsical Business: Oriental Village Veterinary Hospital at 407 Broad St.

Winner for Most Nautical Residence: Dan & Leslie Allen on Neuse Dr by the waterfront

Winner for What the Heck is That? Business: The Inland Waterway Provision Company at 305 Hodges St.

Winner for Most Traditional Residence: Claudine Fields at Broad and Church Streets.

Winner for Most Animated Business: Village Hardware at 804 Broad St.

Winner for Most Animated Residence: Carla and Pat Fisher on Water St. by Oriental Harbor Marina.

Winner for Most Nautical Business: Brantley’s Village Restaurant at 900 Broad.

Winner for What the Heck is That? Residence: Cheryl Thompson at Neuse and First Streets.

Winner for the Most Lights Business: The Oriental Deli at 807 Broad St.

Winner for Most Whimsical Residence: Mary Ellen Ham at S. Water and Main Streets.

Winner for Most Traditional Business: Mariner Realty at 704 Broad St.

Posted Friday December 11, 2020 by Allison DeWeese