No sooner than Thanksgiving’s leftovers are history, a transformation of Lakeside Park begins to take place – lighting up the nighttime sky to add sparkle to the Christmas season.
While Lights in the Park has grown each year, 2024’s version stepped up to an unrivaled level of spirit.
Presented by the Pell City Parks & Recreation Department with decorative help from businesses, organizations and individuals, the spirit of competition added to the excitement. The holiday-themed displays lining both sides of the roads winding through the park drew over 80 entries.
Hundreds of attendees voted for their favorites, and the final tally crowned these winners:
Overall Winner: Woody’s Tree Service
- Anna Otterson / Edward Jones: Silent Night Award – Simple and clean display
- Jessica Blackerby / EXP Realty: White Christmas Award – Best use of white lights
- Woody’s Tree Service: Deck the Halls Award – Most over-the-top use of lighting
- Clean Haul Roll-Off: Christmas is in the Air Award – Best use of inflatables
- House of Prayer: The Reason for the Season Award – Best Nativity display
- Faith Community Fellowship: Holly Jolly Christmas Award – Best display that makes you laugh
- Alabama Clearing & Excavating: Rock Around the Christmas Tree Award – Best use of animation
- Metro Bank: The Rudolph Award – Best use of holiday characters
- Girl Scouts Troop 24216: Christmas Story Award – Best youth inspired display
“The Pell City Parks & Recreation Department would like to express its sincere gratitude to all participants, visitors and voters of the inaugural ‘Lights in the Park’ Holiday Competition,” said Civic Center Manager and Contest Organizer Valerie Painter. “We commend the community for their enthusiastic participation and thoughtful voting.”
The winners can already plan their next decorating adventure. They have the opportunity to select their locations in the park for next year’s competition.
“The warmth of our community and the wonder of the Christmas season combine every year for ‘Lights in the Park,” Painter said. “It’s heartwarming to see Pell City come together to create such a magical experience. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone involved.”
