The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) was once again handed the challenging task of choosing first, second, and third place winners for the 2020 Welland Winter Lights Contest. The MYAC hosted the Winter Lights Contest for many years and claimed the 2020 Winter Lights self-guided tour of 14 homes surpassed previous years. All nominees must have LED lighting on display and are judged on various factors that include originality, first impressions, creativity, and technology.

The self-guided tours brought more than 250 cars to the Market Square to participate in the 27 km Winter Lights self-guided tour that took approximately an hour to complete. The pre-tour Fill the Bus event at Market Square brought 2,400 pounds of donated food which has been provided to the Hope Centre and Open Arms Mission for distribution this holiday season.

The Winter Lights Contest Winners for 2020 are as follows:

1^st Prize                                                322 Classic Avenue

2^nd Prize                                               80 Courtney Crescent

3^rd Prize                                                169 Price Avenue

People’s Choice Award                          80 Courtney Crescent

Community Food Drives Grand prize      Lindsay Weir

(freezer and turkey dinner)

“This was our biggest and most impressive year yet,” said Owen Gallagher, MYAC Chair. “It took us almost three hours to view all the homes that were entered. We were blown away by the quality of every entry, especially the homes that were participating for the first time. It wasn’t easy to choose our favourites, but we were exceptionally impressed by 322 Classic Avenue and 80 Courtney Crescent. These homes not only featured beautiful lighting; they also had musical and visual components for families to enjoy from the safety of their vehicles.”

“I think the tour was more important than ever this year, in light of the pandemic,” said Krista Bowie, Community Development & Volunteer Coordinator. “Spreading light and joy across our community with this drive-thru event was a top priority for everyone involved. From the homeowners, corporate and event sponsors, to the volunteers, we all recognize the importance of community celebration and giving.”

The Winter Lights contest and tours showcased Welland’s most impressive holiday homes and helped raise much-needed food and gifts for economically vulnerable families. For more information on the City of Welland, and to access the Winter Lights Tours map, visit Welland Winter Lights at welland.ca.

Welland Winter Lights operates in partnership with Welland Transit, Welland Hydro, City of Welland, Downtown Welland BIA, Community Food Drives, and the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council