And the winners of the Holiday Decorating Contest are…

Media Contact: Michael Redpath
Tel: (732) 341-8738

According to the judges, it was difficult to select three winners because all of the homes entered in the contest were beautiful. 

• First place was awarded to Ellen Wilkinson, 47 Seward Ave.;
• Second place went to the Valesquez Family, 11 N. Gateway,
• Third place was awarded to the Anderson Family, 12 Park Ave.

The decorated homes of participating residents were judged on originality, arrangement, theme and overall presentation.  First place received gift certificates valued at $200, second place received gift certificates valued at $100, and third place received gift certificates valued at $50.  The gift certificates are from the district restaurants.  All the winners will also be presented an award certificate, in addition to a listing on the Downtown Toms River website at www.downtowntomsriver.com. Ellen Wilkinson will also receive will also receive a sign commemorating their victory to display in their yard.

Business contestants were judged in three categories.  Each will be awarded 30 complimentary radio advertising spots on WJRZ and an original holiday award trophy. These participants were also judged on originality, theme, appearance and overall presentation. 

The business winners are:

• Best Downtown business, Hiering, Dupignac, Stanzione & Dunn, 56 Washington St.;  
• Best District business (not downtown or Rt. 37) Victoria on Main, 600 Main St.;
• Best Window Display, Face to Fase, 44 Washington St.

They will be announced on WJRZ and listed on the WJRZ and Downtown Toms River websites. 
 
The judges that were faced with the difficult task of choosing the winners were Bob Henne and Linda Andrews of Toms River on Line, Yvonne Yaar, Yaar Glass, Vince Mathews, Linda Cronk and Art Cronk from the WJRZ family.

Residents and business owners in Downtown Toms River were encouraged to decorate their homes and businesses as well as enter the contest, which was judged on December 16.  “We wanted to do something special during the month of December that benefited the residents and the businesses within Downtown Toms River as well as our surrounding communities,” commented Frank Capone, Chairman of Downtown Toms River. “Participation of our residents and business owners in the decorating contest has enhanced the beauty of Downtown Toms River while encouraging folks from surrounding communities to visit, shop, dine and enjoy the holiday splendor,” added Capone.  A special thank you is extended to all the residents, businesses, and judges who participated in this years contest. 

Downtown Toms River’s Design Committee has been executing a long-term plan to increase holiday decorations in the District over several years. “This is the perfect time of year to visit Downtown Toms River.  The Buildings and Grounds Departments of both Toms River Township and Ocean County have done a terrific job in decorating the Washington Street area,” commented Capone.  “We are thankful to the organizations in our District that help support and join in the spirit of the holidays,” he added.

Downtown Toms River, the Toms River Business Improvement District, encompasses an area bordered by the Garden State Parkway to the West, Lexington Avenue to the East, the south side of Route 37 to the North, and the Toms River to the South. Visit www.downtowntomsriver.com for contest details and other upcoming events.