<\/p>\n
Lots of fresh snow, skiers on the trails and twinkling lights throughout town makes Dolores a living postcard for the winter holiday season.<\/p>\n
To encourage the festive spirit, the Dolores Chamber of Commerce holds a lighting contest every year for residential homes and businesses.<\/p>\n
The Cozy Comfort RV Park took top honors again for its impressive Christmas display.<\/p>\n
Owner Tony Down\u2019s creative scenes, props and colorful lighting designs attract onlookers every year.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m a Christmas person, and l enjoy putting up the lights and the decorating,\u201d he said. \u201cThe older I get, the harder it is, but I\u2019ll continue doing it.\u201d<\/p>\n
His artistic display glows with rows of lights and lots of Santas and other famous characters, including Snoopy, Darth Vader and Mickey Mouse. There are 15 deer, some of which have moving heads, sleighs, a snowman, four shooting stars with 30-foot trails and streamers of white lights. Decorated trees and waterfalls sparkle with different lighting arrangements.<\/p>\n
A boat in the yard is being driven by Santa with a Teddy Bear as the first mate.<\/p>\n
Blue lights illuminate the rocks, and white lights are positioned \u201cto diffuse everything so it looks like the water is rippling.\u201d<\/p>\n
The whole back of the boat is full of presents and bells. Moving \u201cSantakins\u201d collectibles play Christmas carols nonstop.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we have won at least 10 times,\u201d Down said. \u201cPeople love it and tell us they are glad we do it every year.\u201d<\/p>\n
First prize is a $100 Empire Electric Association voucher, which helps pay the estimated $500 electricity bill from the display.<\/p>\n
First place for residential properties went to 201 N. Ninth St. It is a tradition for Kurt Haun and his brother Corey to put up the display every year.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe keep accumulating lights, so it gets bigger every year,\u201d Haun said. \u201cWe like doing it and hope it encourages others in the neighborhood to decorate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lighting Judge John Taveira said the winning residential display won for its \u201copulence\u201d and how it continued throughout the property.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was really nice to cruise slowly by and enjoy the show,\u201d he said. \u201cThey put a lot of effort into it.\u201d<\/p>\n