PARMA, Ohio — Young Professionals of Parma’s recently announced winners in its second annual Spooky Showdown Halloween decorating contest.
Taking first place was the homeowner at 7288 Normandy Drive.
This was followed by second place going to 8760 Tanglewood Lane with third place at 8707 Harrow Drive.
“This year went really smoothly,” said former Young Professionals of Parma President Jackie Baraona, who coordinated the event. “We made some improvements compared to last year to help simplify the application process, as well as judging and scoring.
“We also got off the bus to judge, which was new this year. It was really fun to see all the details of each home up close and to explore the interactive elements of the winning house on Normandy.”
This year’s contest includes the first-place winner receiving a $100 gift card with second place receiving $75 and third place $50.
All receive plaques. Previous winners weren’t eligible.
Baraona said the contest received 39 entries.
“It was really hard narrowing it down to just eight finalists because so many of them were really good,” she said. “It’s popular to the contest participants because they like being recognized for all their hard work.
“And it’s popular to the general public because they love looking at the pictures and seeing all the cool decorations.”
There’s also a People’s Choice winner (based on Facebook likes) with the winner receiving a $25 gift card.
That contest ends tonight (Oct. 31) with the winner announced on Friday.
“Our People’s Choice post reached more than 20,000 people and was shared more than 100 times,” she said.
“It’s not surprising because the photos are so cool to look at.”
Regarding second-place winner Eric Andexler, the Tanglewood Lane resident called himself “Mr. Halloween.”
“It’s in my blood and it’s always been,” he said. “I had a little more time to decorate my own yard this year, so I said, what the heck I’ll enter the contest.
“My neighbors all love it and tell me I can extend into their yards. At the end of the day, I just hope to inspire the younger generation to continue the tradition of decoration and doing displays for Halloween.”
Read more news from the Parma Sun Post here.