This Christmas, a Grand Bend committee has initiated a series of efforts to encourage Grand Bend to “Light Up”. Also this year, Partners in Learning is honouring the season by providing judges and prizes for the most beautiful, imaginative, and spirited outdoor lighting. On Wednesday, December 17, the Partners Executive presented the winners of the Grand Illumination Contest. They are as follows:

• For the Best of Business lighting, Robin and Richard Cooke’s AKsence on Main Street wins first prize for its colourful storefront. There were countless runners up.
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  Lauren presents to Gary Harbin

  For providing a display of lighting and sound to appeal to everyone, but perhaps most of all to children, the Children’s Choice Award goes to Gary Harbin at 8812 Timberwood Trail.

• For Elegant Design, the committee of judges were tied, and so we have co-winners of this award. They are Mark Relouw residence at 9923 Parkview in Vandongen, and the
  

  Gary Eisler residence, Wee Lake

  Gary Eisler residence at 10135 Jennison Crescent, Wee Lake. These houses represent what magic can be created by simple white incandescent lighting as well as by the dancing lights of LED technology.

• In recognition of the great losses in trees and landscaping borne by so many, this year’s Spirit of Christmas Award goes to The Charlie Brown tree of Huron Woods, owned and cherished by Jacqui Krech at 9933 Pinetree Court .
• Because of the very high degree of participation and clear enthusiasm for the project, Merrywood Meadows wins the prize for Dazzling Neighbourhood Award. The award is accepted by Joan and Bill Hoffman, whose house at 10200 Pineview Crescent, Merrywood, was on almost every judge’s short list.

Partners in Learning congratulates everyone who brought a wintertime sparkle to Grand Bend. Please go out and witness Grand Bend alight. Please admire the symphony of colour at the Crawford’s famous Wee Lake residence.  On your way by, salute the Greens’ stalwart tree trunks in Merrywood. Find a friend to let you into the Cove and slowly drive its brilliant streets. Grand Bend is ablaze with Christmas spirit.

Webmaster Note: A special thanks to Nancy Winters for leading the PIL executive through this process.