[JAMES ISLAND] – The Holiday Festival of Lights kicked off its 26th season Nov. 13! During the grand opening celebration, the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) proudly presented awards for the festival’s annual Giant Greeting Card and Gingerbread House Competitions. Winning entries in both competitions are on display during the event, which runs nightly through Jan. 3 at James Island County Park.
This year, the Giant Greeting Card Competition received 38 entries from Charleston County student groups in elementary, middle and high school divisions. The winning top three schools in each division, and 4 honorable mention winners, received a trophy and cash award to apply into their school arts program. Winners are display in Santa’s Village. CCPRC is very pleased to recognize the efforts and creativity of the winning schools:
HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION
1st Place: St. Johns High School
2nd Place: Palmetto Christian Academy
3rd Place: Septima Clark Academy
MIDDLE SCHOOL DIVISION
1st Place: Riverpointe Christian Academy
2nd Place: Ft. Johnson Art Club
3rd Place: Buist Academy
ELEMENTARY DIVISION
1st Place: Memminger Elementary
2nd Place: Dunston Primary
3rd Place: Gateway Academy
HONORABLE MENTION
Malcolm C. Hursey Elementary
Angel Oak Elementary Kaleidoscope
Eagle Nest Elementary
Thomas Cario Middle
Entries for the annual Holiday Festival of Lights Gingerbread Competition were judged in three age categories for creativity, craftsmanship, theme, difficulty and appearance. All winners received a Gold Pass or Super Splash Pass. Entries are on display at the Prancer’s Presents Gift Shop. Winners are:
ORIGINAL CATEGORY – ADULT
1st Place: Elizabeth Gorney - “Polar Express”
2nd Place: Andrea Yelton - “Rainbow Row”
ORIGINAL ADULT - HONORABLE MENTION
Kelly Schmeling – “Gingerbread Kids Sled Ride”
Nancy Giotta – “Nativity Scene”
ORIGINAL CATEGORY – YOUTH AGES 8-17
1st Place: Ashley Peterson - “A Very Snoopy Christmas”
2nd Place: Miranda Reed – “Sweet Treats Cottage”
KIT CATEGORY – ALL AGES
1st Place: Emily Harris – “Enchanted Christmas Cottage”
2nd Place: Lacey Williams – “Pirates Say Yo Ho Ho”
Also on site opening night, a young local artist was able to see her idea for a light display come to light. Seven-year-old Geneva, a student at Stiles Point Elementary School, is the winner of this year’s Light Display Design Contest. Geneva’s drawing of the pineapple fountain at Waterfront Park inspired a new light display at this year’s festival. The contest is open again this year, and ages 12 and under are invited to submit their ideas for a light display at next year’s festival. Download an entry form at the link below.
The Holiday Festival of Lights is open nightly through Jan. 3 at James Island County Park and is presented by Boeing and Charleston County Parks. For details, including special event dates, hours, fees, and more, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com or call 843-795-4386, or download the Charleston County Parks mobile app.
