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“In towns and cities... there is no more important institution than the local paper.”
Warren Buffett
Downey resident and Cerritos Sprouts Manager Mike Boyd receives the coveted Mayors Award for Best Overall Holiday Home from Downey Mayor Vasquez. Photo by Tammye McDuff.
By Tammye McDuff
The City of Downey held their 10th annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Home Awards, Monday evening, December 4, 2017 at City Hall. Lewis Elementary began the jubilant celebrations with animated renditions of Christmas carols “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and “What’s This?”
Downey Girl Scout Troop 17305 wore red and green antlers and had blinking red noses while presenting “Rudolf the Red-Nose Reindeer,” and Downey Ku’uipo ‘O Hula Dancers graceful glided across the stage as they presented two original hula performances.
The Holiday Home Decorating Contest was held for any residents of Downey’s four districts to participate. There were a variety of awards given out for Discover Downey Award; Best New Entry; Best Window Display; Best Religious display; Most Original and then coveted Mayor’s Award.
“Our residents were amazing, and took their time to dress up their homes and yards for the Christmas season,” said Mayor Fernando Vasquez, “We had a great time driving through our streets and seeing firsthand how our citizens keep the holidays alive.”
Winning the Mayors Award was Downey resident Mike Boyd on Hasty Avenue. It took him three straight days to set up all the lights and figures, the oldest piece in his yard was a handmade statuette of Santa Claus climbing a tree while a dog attacks his back side, “I made this with my Dad about 25 years ago. A few of these pieces were handed down to me from my Father such as the Looney Tunes Sleigh.”
“My most favorite piece is the Motorcycle Santa de-picting Mrs Claus holding on for dear life, I mainly do this for the neighborhood and for my grandkids.”
Boyd is a long time resident and Store Manager for the new Sprouts located in Cerritos.
Over 300 entries were submitted to the Parks & Recreation Department this year. Vasquez added, “It was a tough job try-ing to narrow down the winners. I want to applaud all of our winners for keeping up traditions and making our city really shines for the holidays!”