‘Tis the Season to Shine

The Turics - Chuck, Jennifer, and kids Alana and Jaxson - accepted their awards as the 2025 winners of the 32nd Annual House Decorating Contest from Committee Chairman Dave Rice and the Christmas House Decorating Committee following the judges’ Trolley Ride Finals on December 19. The awards for the 1580 Collingswood home included a winner’s plaque, the traditional yard sign for annual display, and the Traveling Trophy. All Top 10 homes received a Finalist Award Plaque. The Turics have been raising money for Baby Basics of Collier County throughout the holiday season.

This year’s winner of the House Decorating contest was selected from 1,803 lighted homes throughout the island.

The Marco Island Christmas House and Business Decorating Contest is sponsored by Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC). They have been the overall sponsor of this event continuously since its beginning in 1994.

“We thank all of the families who 'lit up Marco' again this year,” said Committee Chair Dave Rice. “Your efforts are appreciated by all the citizens of our wonderful Island.”

Our Island is blessed with dedicated volunteers who make events such as this take place. The dedicated members of the Marco Island Christmas House and Business Decorating Committee are: Dave and Jeanne Rice, Bob Boland, Lyn Bedell, Larry and Judy Sacher, Ken and Diane Honecker; Jerry Swiacki and Linda Turner, Bette McGilvray and Steve Josselyn, Sandy Dauch, Kristina Lambros and Marc Creech, Mary Vertin and Bruce Robertson, Jacki Strategos and Richard Droste, Betty Newman and Russ Simmons, Rachel Schenk, Lilibeth Nordell, Jim and Allyson Richards, Mindy Star, Roger Star, Mike and Gerry Richards, Brad and Mary Shaw, Alex and Marcia Orsolini, and Marlene Eichman.

For Contest Information, contact Dave Rice, Chairman, at marcodave@comcast.net

2025 Top Ten Finalists (in no particular order)

1580 Collingswood – WINNER

1550 Collingswood

608 6th Ave

513 Nassau

1952 Sheffield

1842 Dogwood

1710 Winterberry

436 Worthington

1591 Galleon

1430 Caxambas Court

Also Worth Seeing

752 Caribbean

485 Echo Circle

965 Caxambas Drive

1163 Fourwinds

Previous Winners “Lit” in 2025 (but not eligible this year)

151 Channel Ct.

1955 Sheffield

1208 Fruitland

1625 Ludlow