Winners announced for PCBA lighting contest

During the holidays, homes of all shapes and sizes can be seen lit up with a variety of decorations to help get people in the holiday spirit.

But for Prairie City, decorated homes can bring something a little more – town pride.

“We have a 10-year-old son and he is growing up here,” Misty Steingrabe said. “I just love the small community ... Seeing other neighbors up and down the road, and they start decorating, it brings the festive season out.”

The Steingrabes were one of three winners selected in the fourth annual Prairie City Business Association Christmas Lighting Contest. The first-time winners said when they heard their home at 10762 S. 76th Ave. W. was selected as this year’s most tradition display, they were pleasantly surprised.

“It is fun,” John Steingrabe said. “We will do more next year now that we know somebody drives around town and looks.”

On Dec. 9, the PCBA judging committee began their search to find the most extravagant holiday light displays in Prairie City. With more than 200 participants, PCBA selected its winners based on three categories – most fun, most elegant and most traditional.

“We just want the Prairie City community to participate. That was the good thing about it, just to see the participation from the members of the community,” PCBA secretary Sheryl Plate said. “I’m impressed with how much work people put into it.”

Featuring hundreds of traditional white lights, the Steingrabes said it took several hours to decorate their home. After receiving some pleasant feedback from the community, they said they are glad they put the time into their display this year.

“I had a bunch of lights I had gotten, so I started wrapping up this one tree,” Misty Steingrabe said. “It took me probably four or five hours to wrap a tree. It was super pretty, but I am not looking forward to taking them off.”

Most fun display winners, Mitch and Amanda Bright’s home at 500 N. Orchard St., featured several interactive areas, from a walk-through, lit display to a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, for passersby to enjoy. According to the couple, they have received an award for their display each of the four years the contest has taken place.

“I feel our display is fun for all ages. We love hearing people tell us how much they like our lights, how often they drive by or walk though the display. I am really excited to hear that from those people,” Amanda Bright said. “We are just really honored to win that award.”

Prairie City residents Craig and Kitty Hartson, whose home is at 500 E. Plainsman Rd., were awarded most elegant. According to Plate, the Hartson’s home featured many unique lights.

“They had a beautiful variety of things outside,” McClure said. “It is not just that it was elegant, there was a lot to enjoy and look at on their property.”

PCBA said the three winners each received a prize of $100 in PC Bucks.

Although this year’s winners enjoyed their prizes, they said they were simply happy to see the community come together to have fun and spread the holiday cheer.

“Over the years, I have seen more people put their lights out. That is awesome to see,” Bright said. “We don’t do it for the prizes, we do it for the community ... We already have plans for next year to make it bigger. We hope they enjoy our lights as much as we do.”

With the funds for the prizes coming out of the PCBA account, the PCBA members said they hope to see the lighting contest participation continue to grow.

“As a whole, Christmas lights are a way for people to share the holiday spirit ... The number of houses closer to 300 or 400. Every year, the amount goes up. It is more than you think,” McClure said. “Christmas lights really are something people will drive for. As this competition grows, truly it is something that can bring people into our community, which is something we want for all our businesses.”

For more information about the PCBA, call 515-994-2383, visit pcbaiowa.com or find Prairie City Business Association on Facebook.

Contact areyes@myprairiecitynews.com