The Kalona Area Chamber of Commerce sent Christmas elves out on the evening of Friday, Dec. 18 to evaluate all the lighted homes in Kalona, adorned with all different kinds of holiday decorations from strings and strings of lights, lawn ornaments, inflatable creatures and nativity scenes. The Chamber even had to recruit more judges because there were so many illuminated homes around town.

Eventually, first, second and third place winners were chosen: Kevin and Angela Kron, Leroy and Lisa Nida and Craig and Heidi Morrison, who each received gift baskets with an assortment of items from the contest’s sponsors. Three honorable mentions were also designated: Sheila Ouverson, Mark and Phyllis Casper and Matthew and Stephanie Meisheid.

“There were so many houses with Christmas lights, it was extremely difficult to come to a decision,” said organizer Jody Drozd. “This is the first year of the contest, so we may rethink things next year, perhaps adding categories like most effort, most tastefully decorated or most chaotic.”

Sponsors for the contest included Best of Iowa, Kalona Public Library, The Shop, Stitch ‘N Sew, The Kalona Brewery, The News, Petals Flower Shop. Reliable Tires, Timeless Charm, Kalona Chocolates, Kalona Family Dental, CBI Bank & Trust, AllenMitchell, Kalona Historical Society, Kalona Coffee House, KCTC, and Woodin Wheel.

“Awesome job, Kalona,” Drozd said. “The purpose was to create some excitement and Christmas cheer in the community and you certainly accomplished that!”