The winners of the Best Holiday Decorations contest in Bowmanstown were announced Jan. 2 as the holiday season came to an end.

The contest, held by the Bowmanstown Area Residents Connected, originally started at the beginning of December.

From Dec. 1 until Dec. 18, nominations in the form of home addresses were sent to BARC member Rodney Reeser.

On Dec. 20, photos of each of the nominated homes were posted to the BARC Facebook page.

Residents were able to vote for the best decorated homes in the community by scrolling through the BARC Facebook page and liking the houses they thought were the best.

Voting officially ended at midnight on Christmas Day.

With a total of 15 nominated homes, three winners were named. The Reph residence at 429 White St. won first place with a total of 78 votes. The Serfass residence on 536 White St. took second place with a total of 58 votes. The Gruber residence on 537 Hamilton St. took third place with 22 votes.

Prizes included $50 and a leg lamp awarded to first place, $30 awarded to second place and $20 awarded to third place, which the Grubers generously donated back toward the BARC.

Due to COVID-19 safety concerns, the online event provided a safe yet fun holiday experience for the members of the Bowmanstown community.

With many positive and supportive comments on the BARC Facebook page during the event, residents seemingly enjoyed the first contest.

Reeser noted that the BARC hopes to host it again next year and that plans to further improve the event would be discussed at the next BARC meeting on Jan. 13.

For more information on the BARC or to view all of the decorated homes from the contest, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/GOBARC.