The annual Holiday Festival of Lights kicked off its 23rd season with an 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.
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.
Elementary School:
First: Drayton Hall Elementary
Second: Orange Grove Elementary Charter-Studio Art
Third: Sunshine House Park West
Middle School:
First: Fort Johnson Middle Art Club
Second: James Island Middle
Third: Thomas Cario Middle
High School:
First: West Ashley High School
Second: Septima P. Clark Academy
Third: Palmetto Scholars Academy
Entries for the annual 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 a high level of creativity and craftsmanship. Winners were:
Kit Category, all ages:
First: Madeleine Hirsch
Second: Emily Harris
Honorable Mention: Eliza Eckert, Marley Eckert
Original Category, ages 17 and older:
First: Kelly Schmeling
Second: Beth Tompkins
Original Category, youth ages 8-16:
First: Lydia Cox
Original Category, parent-child (child Ages 3-7):
First: Spence Cox
Second: Lucas Kaul
Many of the winning gingerbread houses and giant greeting cards may be viewed on site at the Holiday Festival of Lights.
The festival’s third annual Light Display Design Contest for ages 12 and under is currently accepting entries through Jan. 4.
This contest encourages youth to submit drawings for future light displays.
One drawing will be selected as an inspiration for a new light display at next year’s Holiday Festival of Lights.
To download an event entry form and for contest details, visit www.holidayfestivaloflights.com.
