By Brooke Curley
brooke@gilavalleycentral.net
THATCHER – The contest was fierce this year, but one house won the recognition of the Thatcher Town Council and its grand prize.
Brooke Curley Photo/Gila Valley Central: A close-up photo captures the intense detail that the McDowell family put into decorating their home.
Daniel McDowell stood at the Thatcher Town Council Monday night and received the grand prize for his decorating efforts. Located at 1635 South Cactus Wren in Thatcher’s Quail Ridge subdivision, McDowell’s home is intensely illuminated by countless Christmas light strands.
Brooke Curley Photo/Gila Valley Central: Winner of first place, the Ramirez residence at 1653 Cactus Wren welcomes onlookers with Santa Claus singing himself.
McDowell told Gila Valley Central that he and his family has always enjoyed decorating for the holidays. He said this year’s Christmas decorations took four days to set up and cost roughly $3,800.
“It’s a great feeling to win the grand prize, but we just love seeing everyone’s reaction and how they enjoy it,” McDowell said. “Families actually take pictures in front of our house.”
Brooke Curley Photo/Gila Valley Central: Second-place winner, the Montano residence can be found at 3111 W. 4th St.
The other winners of the contest include David Ramirez at 1653 S. Cactus Wren for first place and Carlos Montano at 3111 W. 4th St. for second place. Joe Sedgeman at 2618 Dove Lane won third place.
Thatcher Mayor Bob Rivera told those attending the town council’s meeting that he deeply appreciated everyone’s participation in the contest. He said that through the efforts of the decorators, onlookers are given the chance to relax from the stress of the everyday.
“It was a hard job in judging, as always,” Rivera said. “And I would like to thank everyone.”
Do you have a picture or video of an awesome Christmas light display? If so, post it in the comments section with where it was taken and let’s see how many places have great displays for the community to see.
