Mayfair’s Civic Association held their 5th annual Christmas Decoration Contest.
Last Wednesday, the Mayfair Civic Association selected the winners for its fifth annual Mayfair Christmas Decoration Contest. A record 209 houses were nominated for this year’s contest.
Five years ago, while Joe DeFelice was president of the civic association, Donny Smith thought of the contest idea to bring the neighborhood together. Smith is now the group’s president.
The three categories for the contest are “rowhome,” “singles/corners & twins” and “business.” There were a total of three winners per category and one additional winner going to a well-decorated truck. Starting on Thanksgiving to Dec. 13, individuals were able to nominate a home or business that they felt best captured the spirit of Christmas through the civic association email address or Facebook page.
There were a total of 12 judges who rated the homes on a 1–12 scale, 12 being the highest possible score.
According to the judges, this was the most impressive year thus far, as competition is bringing out the best in the residents of Mayfair.
The three rowhomes that won, in no particular order, were 3513 Shelmire Ave, 3439 Chippendale St. and 3319 Chippendale St. This was the fourth time that 3513 Shelmire Ave. has brought home the award, most for any rowhome. The house at 3439 Chippendale St. brought home the award for the second year in a row, with a well-lit Liberty Bell helping the property stand out. This was the first year that 3319 Chippendale St. won. This property had a nice nativity scene on the front lawn, with a nicely lit American flag display on the roof of the house.
The three businesses that won, in no particular order, were Torresdale Flower Shop (7332 Frankford Ave.), Grey Lodge Pub (6235 Frankford Ave.) and Berkshire Hathaway (7341 Frankford Ave.) This was the second year in a row Berkshire Hathaway was rewarded and the third year in a row Torresdale Flower Shop received recognition. This was the Grey Lodge’s first time winning the business category.
The three singles/corners & twins that won, in no particular order, were 7411 Brous Ave., 7816 Lexington Ave. and 7930 Lister Ave. This was the third year in a row 7930 Lister Ave was awarded. The single house at 7816 Lexington Ave. has won the award three times as well.
The only property in the contest that has won every year is 7411 Brous Ave. The well-lit twin, had a beautiful display that was even recognized by Fox 29’s Bob Kelly’s “A Very Kelly Christmas” the following day on live television.
For the first time, a vehicle was recognized by the civic association for being so well decorated. The truck owned by Bill Harmon, 3535 Shelmire Ave., was decked out from front to back and side to side in Christmas decorations. Harmon’s truck also took first place for the XTU Toy Truck Parade this year.
The prizes for each winner were donated by the Mayfair Business Association, and winners were given a lawn sign that indicates they are “2017 Mayfair Christmas Decoration Contest Winners.”
The civic association will also hold a decoration contest for Halloween this upcoming year. ••
The rest of the winners are pictured below.
