The Decatur Minute

It is time to announce the winners of Decorate Decatur for 2009! Thanks to all who have decorated their homes for the holidays. The judges enjoyed viewing all the lights and festival decorations. If you are looking for a fun way to spend an evening then walk, bike or ride to see the winners. Might be a good time for those out of town guests looking for fun, free entertainment! Some photos are included below, but these homes really show off their decor at night when the lights are shining.

205 Adair Street

The winner of the coveted “Commissioner’s Cup” is Nancy Wilkinson & Susan Phillips at 205 Adair Street.

This raucous display always fills up the home’s front yard. New this year is a “snow packing” center complete with a train (with working smoke stack) to haul the crates of snow. Judging by some green-clad kicking legs sticking out from under a crate, an elf appears to have had a workers safety mishap. Good thing elves are magical! Other features include a lighted bike, a snowman in box, a waving Santa and a working railroad crossing sign. The judges note that the decorations are beginning to migrate to nearby yards as evidenced by the lighted cow cutout that graces the facade of the across-the-street neighbor’s home. Indications are promising for next year’s exuberant holiday displays.

Nancy Wilkinson receiving the "coveted" Commissioner's Cup!

The  following were winners of Decorate Decatur and received signage in their yards.

142 Adair Street: What is it about Adair Street? The folks there are always cooking up something new for the holidays, and this year is no different. You’ll want to walk or drive by twice to get both messages on the “Burma Shave” signs that accompany the tight-rope walking snowman.

122 Woodlawn Avenue: An extensive holiday menagerie fills the large front yard of this home and extends to the side yard in a dazzling display of lights. You could even say it glows.

107 2nd Avenue:  Two giant inflatable nutcrackers guard the gift-wrapped front entrance of this bungalow, accented by the plentiful lights that illuminate its small front yard near busy East Lake Drive.

112 Paden Circle: The colorful lights on the facade and the front yard of this house are like a holiday beacon welcoming drivers and passersby on the way in to Oakhurst.

211 Willow Lane: This home has a generous lot with a gracious plenty of lights festooned across the many shrubs and ornamental trees. The display extends to the back of the home. The judges found the visual effect to be quite dazzling, especially when approached from Church Street. 

Happy Huladays!!

302 Ponce de Leon Place: Happy Huladays! The more you look, the more you see in this hula-themed display. There are lights galore, lit Hawaiian versions of Season’s Greetings, a jolly inflatable snowman wearing a hula skirt, and so much more. The judges are careful to point out the team of pink flamingos pulling a sleigh.

151 Superior Avenue: These homeowners did not miss an inch of roofline — in front or out back — when they put up their lights. The house and garage are outlined in string lights accented by garland around the front door and porch. An inflatable polar bear with purple sweater presides over this  holiday presentation.

252 Kings Highway: It’s impossible to miss the giant full moon planted on this front lawn with Santa and his sleigh zooming across the expanse. But that’s not all there is to see! Lights and other decorations round out the tableau. Be sure to roll down your window or take out your earbuds to hear the holiday music playing.

428 Sycamore Street: This grand historic home is picture perfect, beautifully decorated with greenery, ribbon and lights, with every detail covered including delightful “house” luminaries lining the front stone wall.

There were several businesses that contributed to the Decatur holiday spirit and the judges wanted to mention them as well.

Steinbecks and U-Joint: Festive lights at these two anchor businesses contribute to the holiday bustle, welcoming patrons in need of refreshment during holiday preparations or a cozy place to celebrate the season.

Little Shop of Stories: The return of the beloved downtown Decatur Christmas tree is a special gift enthusiastically welcomed by the community.

Best Streetscape Experience – Shops on West Ponce: Passersby on W. Ponce de Leon Avenue are beckoned by the glittering white lights that fill the row of trees in front of the Shops of West Ponce Place. Just around the corner along the main thoroughfare, festive holiday decorations in the windows of Cakes & Ale, Kaleidoscope, Heliotrope, and Boogaloos Boutique are a visual treat for shoppers and strollers.

Neighborhoods that went all out:

Lamont/Vidal: Best overall neighborhood presentation with luminaria lighting the way along the rolling streets, and many houses harmoniously dressed up in beautiful white lights and garland.

Ridgeland Avenue: Delightful cluster of homes decked out in a right neighborly display of colorful lights.

Special Mention! The judges want to recognize the City of Decatur for the new LED string lights covering the ornamental streetscape trees around the MARTA Plaza and anchoring the ends of E. Court Square and N. McDonough Street, as well as the lit garland on City Hall and the lighted bandstand.