“Hurricane Dorian may have damaged our Holiday Lights signs, but not our Christmas cheer.”
This was the sentiment of Executive Director of the Ocracoke Civic & Business Association (OCBA) Helena Stevens, as well as all of Ocracoke Island, with the recent announcement of the winners of the 2019 Ocracoke Village Holiday Lights Contest.
Per a press release from the OBCA, this year’s categories and the judges’ picks are as follows, and 2019’s honorees include a special “Griswold Award,” (a nod to National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation), to recognize homes with extra brilliance and bling.
Most Traditional: The Beach House- Irvin Garrish Hwy
Best Theme: Bobby and Allison O’Neal- O’Neal Lane
Most Original: David and Kathy O’Neal- Lighthouse Road
Best Business: Pony Island Motel- Irvin Garrish Hwy (Ocracoke Strong Indeed!)
The Griswold Award: Chrissy O’Neal- Bryant Lane
“As you drive past the award winners, you will notice some homemade signs this year,” stated Stevens. “The children of the after-school program contributed their talents and artwork to creating these replacements.”
“Given all this island has been through over the past few months, I must say that each pop of color and strand of lovingly displayed lights and decorations are all winners in my book,” she added. “Thank you to all who decorated their homes to help herald in the season. Your time and efforts have brought joy and sparkle to our beautiful village, and I know are being enjoyed by all.”
