Lots of fresh snow, skiers on the trails and twinkling lights throughout town makes Dolores a living postcard for the winter holiday season.
To encourage the festive spirit, the Dolores Chamber of Commerce holds a lighting contest every year for residential homes and businesses.
The Cozy Comfort RV Park took top honors again for its impressive Christmas display.
Owner Tony Down’s creative scenes, props and colorful lighting designs attract onlookers every year.
“I’m a Christmas person, and l enjoy putting up the lights and the decorating,” he said. “The older I get, the harder it is, but I’ll continue doing it.”
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.
A boat in the yard is being driven by Santa with a Teddy Bear as the first mate.
Blue lights illuminate the rocks, and white lights are positioned “to diffuse everything so it looks like the water is rippling.”
The whole back of the boat is full of presents and bells. Moving “Santakins” collectibles play Christmas carols nonstop.
“I think we have won at least 10 times,” Down said. “People love it and tell us they are glad we do it every year.”
First prize is a $100 Empire Electric Association voucher, which helps pay the estimated $500 electricity bill from the display.
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.
“We keep accumulating lights, so it gets bigger every year,” Haun said. “We like doing it and hope it encourages others in the neighborhood to decorate.”
Lighting Judge John Taveira said the winning residential display won for its “opulence” and how it continued throughout the property.
“It was really nice to cruise slowly by and enjoy the show,” he said. “They put a lot of effort into it.”
Check out the Dolores Chamber of Commerce video on the winners.
Second place for commercial properties went to The Dolores Outfitters, and the Dolores Food Market had an honorable mention. In the residential competition, 200 N. Eighth St. earned second place, and 203 N. Seventh St. was awarded an honorable mention.
“There seems to be some friendly competition going on between Seventh and Ninth streets,” said Dolores Chamber volunteer Susan Lisak.
The Wild Wild West New Year’s Eve Casino night attracted about 60 people and raised money for repairs at the Dolores Community Center. DJ music was provided by Ray McDonnell of KKDC 93.3, a classic rock station based in Dolores.
During the party, Danielle Puntebura won $500 in Dolores Dollars in the main drawing of the 12 Days of Dolores Christmas event, which was organized to encourage local shopping.
