Many of the residents in Parkesburg do a wonderful job in festively decorating their homes, and it was fun to ride around and just appreciate the effort that goes into making Parkesburg aglow with the holiday spirit," said club president Robin McKenna, when announcing the winners of the 2024 Parkesburg Lions Club holiday decorating contest. "Those registered all (had) impressive displays." 

The winners, all residences located in Parkesburg, were 806 W. Bridge St., first place; 527 W. Second Ave., second place; and 104 E. Second Ave., third place. In addition, the home at 3525 S. Blackhorse Road received the Lions' and Leos' Choice Award. The contest was free to enter, and each of the winning homeowners was provided with a sign to place in his or her yard indicating the award in addition to a prize. 

The winning home featured a driveway lined with Christmas lights, along with several inflatables, including a Santa train, a snowman, a dinosaur and a Dalmatian. There were also lighted candy canes, lighted reindeer and a tree in the front yard made with Christmas twinkle lights.

Judging for the contest took place on Dec. 13, 2024, by members of the Parkesburg Lions Club along with four members of the Lions Club-sponsored Leo Club at Octorara Junior-Senior High School. 

And, new this year, community members were able to vote for their favorites via the "Parkesburg Lions Club - New and Improved" Facebook page. Winners were determined by the majority of votes from the panel of judges and community members.

Those who voted on Facebook were asked for a donation of $1 via Venmo. "The money raised from votes is going to a member of our community who, due to a recent accident, is in need at this time," McKenna noted. 

McKenna said that she was pleased with the number of homeowners who took part in this year's contest as well as those who voted. "It is wonderful to see the community take time to view the decorated homes and place their votes while supporting one of our own community members at the same time," she added.

Photos of all of the winning homes can be found on the previously mentioned Facebook page.

The Parkesburg Lions Club is always looking for new members. Prospective members are invited to attend a club meeting. Meetings are generally held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Parkesburg Baptist Church, 103 West St. When meetings are held at different locations, information is posted on the Facebook page.

Next up for the Lions Club is a "tingo" fundraiser scheduled to take place on Saturday, Feb. 8, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Parkesburg Baptist Church. The event is a tea combined with a mini bingo game. The cost includes tea, a light lunch and 10 games of bingo. Attendees are encouraged to dress in "tea" attire. For tickets, send a message via the Facebook page or contact Lion's Club member Karen Fronefield at 484-678-4231.

Those with questions may contact McKenna on the Facebook page or by calling 484-247-4080.