Holiday Festival of Lights announces Giant Greeting Card and Gingerbread House Competition Finalists
[CHARLESTON] – The annual Holiday Festival of Lights kicked off its 24th season Nov. 8 with the awards ceremony for the event’s annual Giant Greeting Card and Gingerbread House Competitions. Winning entries in both competitions are on display during the festival, which runs daily through Dec. 31, 2013 at James Island County Park.
This year, the Giant Greeting Card Competition received 39 entries from Charleston County student groups in elementary, middle and high school divisions. The winning top three schools in each division received a trophy and cash award to apply back into their school arts program. The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission is very pleased to recognize the efforts and creativity of the winning schools:
Elementary School Division:
1st Place: Drayton Hall Elementary
2nd Place: Orange Grove Elementary Charter-Studio Art
3rd Place: Malcolm C. Hursey Elementary
Middle School Division:
1st Place: James Island Middle
2nd Place: Thomas Cario Middle
3rd Place: Ft. Johnson Middle Art Club
High School Division:
1st Place School: Liberty Hill Academy
2nd Place: St. Johns High School
3rd Place: West Ashley High
Merit Awards:
Summerville Catholic Elementary
North Charleston Creative Arts Elementary
East Cooper Montessori Middle
Riverpointe Christian Academy Middle
Entries for the annual Holiday Festival of Lights Gingerbread House Competition were judged in five age categories for creativity, craftsmanship, theme, difficulty and overall appearance. From an enchanting Pirate Ship and Lighthouse to a Snow-topped Village, entries exhibited unique themes, a high level of creativity and craftsmanship. Winners were:
Kit Category - All Ages:
First Place: Marley Eckert
Second Place: Ashley Peterson
Original Category - Ages 17 and Older:
First Place: Amy Langstone
Second Place: Kelly Schmeling
Original Category – Youth Ages 8-16:
First Place: Karly Ripple
Second Place: Spence Cox
All Original Group Category
First Place: Amy Langstone
Second Place: Karly Ripple
Many of the winning Gingerbread Houses and Giant Greeting Cards may be viewed on site at the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park. For more information on the festival, including event hours, fees, and event schedules, visit www.holidayfestivaloflights.com (linked below). This event is presented by Boeing and Your Charleston County Parks.