By Heather Lusk
A gingerbread house created with repurposed items earned Allure Salon the grand prize in the business category of the Village’s annual Holiday Decorating Contest.
In previous years, the contest was promoted as door decorating, but the rules were changed this year to include the entire house or business.
Thirteen homes and businesses were evaluated by a panel of four judges.
Allure Salon’s entry noted for its unique take, using items around the house.
“We (value) in the rules creativity, originality,” said Sally Zelonis, who has spearheaded the contest since its inception four years ago. “People don’t have to spend a lot of money. It was very resourceful.”
Zelonis said the residential winners created themes to match their homes.
“People in the Village, whether their house is modern or old, fit their decorations with their house style,” Zelonis said.
Grand prize residential winners Brad and Monique Schnabel decorated their home with pine boughs and ribbon that complements their porch’s trim.
The number of overall entries was higher than last year but lower than previous years. Zelonis hopes there will be more entries in the future with continued communication and word of mouth.
Zelonis started the contest after seeing a similar decorating contest while living in a historic community in Rhode Island.
“It just makes for a wonderful holiday season,” she said.
BUSINESS WINNERS
Grand prize: Allure Salon, 100 S. First St.
First place: CV Art & Frame, Thomas Kinkade Zionsville Gallery, 110 S. Main St.
Second place: Sundance Salon Spa, 47 S. Elm St.
Third place: Nikki Blaine Couture, 99 N. First St.
RESIDENTIAL WINNERS
Grand prize: 180 N. Main St.
First place: 55 E. Poplar St.
Second place: 190 E. Ash St.
Third place: 185 S. 6th St.
