Annual Christmas decorating contest coming up
Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services
Inuvik (Dec 15/00) - It took 18 hours, but for Denis Savoie the effort is worthwhile.
The owner of To Go's Take-Out has strung about 3,000 lights on the outside of his business.
Savoie has decorated his restaurant for several years, except for last year. He missed doing it last year because of an accident.
Savoie said he adds more lights each year.
"It's a hit for the kids. They like coming here," he said. "Christmas is for kids."
In fact, Savoie has decorated the restaurant this year for one special child, his seven-year-old son, Beau, who is attending school in Calgary but is coming home for Christmas.
To Go's is a certain stop for judges for Inuvik's 2000 Christmas Light Up Contest.
Organizing this year's event is Brian Desjardins, tourism co-ordinator for the Town of Inuvik.
"It was well received last year," Desjardins said. "A lot of houses and businesses were well decorated. We're hoping that this year will be much the same."
The contest takes place Dec. 18-22, with judging taking place Dec. 22. Cash prizes will be given out from first to fourth place finishers in two categories, homes and commercial/institutional.
There are three judges, two from town council, and one from the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, which is a sponsor for the second year in a row.
The judges will focus on exterior lighting and decorations.
"I guess what it comes down to is the best decorated facility, a combination of lighting and other decorations," said Desjardins.
"It's more than just lighting on your building. It's adding a little bit of creativity, like doing something in the yard."
Desjardins hopes the decorating contest can grow into a major tourist draw for the town. He said next year he'll be looking for more sponsorship.
Not everyone is in the same spirit.
Savoie there has been a down side to lighting up for the season: so far about 50 of his light bulbs have been stolen.
