The Tribune

A NEW winner has claimed the top prizes in the 3rd annual Bahamas Realty Holiday Home Showcase.

The winner was “The Christmas Star,” Golden Gates 1, home of the Sonia and Malachi Adderley Family, who also won the Peoples’ Choice Award on Facebook.

“Again, the competition was so close between the two Adderley families of Golden Gates 1 and Golden Gate 2 that judges wished they could award a tie,” said Showcase founder Sara Parker.

Judges struggled for two days to break the tie between the two properties which light up the skies – and children’s faces – in Golden Gates.

“The homes were judged based on four criteria: Use of Lights, Creativity/Imagination, Overall Design/Theme, and Christmas Spirit. It was a difficult decision for our three judges, as every one of these homes was a show-stopper,” said Showcase co-ordinator Iona Henderson.

“We all had a lot of fun, and you really could feel the Christmas spirit spreading. I felt like a child again!”

It came down to the minute details, according Bahamas Reality president and top appraiser Robin Brownrigg, who explained the judges’ decision.

“It was a good problem to have in that we had two legitimate winners – it doesn’t get better than that.

“It took a lot of deliberation to examine the details that make a difference, studying the hand crafted components, the hand carved Junkanoo figures and the hand crafted details of the costumes in the winning entry.”

The Sonia and Malachi Adderley Family of 16 Bamboo Street won a $1,000 gift certificate from the Builders Mall Stores and a $500 donation to the charity of their choice from Bahamas Realty.

They also won the People’s Choice Award - $500 in BEC Bucks to go toward their electricity bill, with the winner chosen by Facebook voters.

Second place went to the James and Ruth Adderley Family of 2 Leeward Isles in Golden Gates 2, for their towering creation “Cultural Expression.”

This Adderley Family won the first BRL Holiday Home Showcase in 2011 and repeated in 2012.

For 2013, they added hand-cut Junkanoo dancers and Junkanoo music to their immense lighting display, featuring big reindeer and angels hand-made by the family.

Second prize was a Eureka vacuum cleaner from Jolly Roger and five gallons of Devoe paint from Paint Suppliers.

A new entrant in Seabreeze, Sandra Bain, placed third with “Festive Spirit in Seabreeze,” an elegant creation of lights arching through the night.

The prize is a $150 gift certificate for dinner at Luciano’s of Chicago.

Artist and returning judge Stan Burnside said: “I wouldn’t miss this experience. It warms my heart to see the joy these families bring to each other and their community.”

Radio Personality Eddie Carter judged for the first time this year.

He said, “My family and I really enjoyed the competition. The displays were amazing. They did not make it easy. It was good to see and feel that holiday spirit right here in our beautiful Bahama Land.”

Peter Knowles, age 11, served as the Honorary Kid’s Judge.

He predicted the outcome early on, saying “This is a 5, 5, 5, 5, 5!” when he saw the “Cultural Expressions House” and then, “The Winner of the winners!” when he viewed “The Christmas Star.”

The moving trains sealed the deal for him.

Mrs Henderson said anyone who wants to see all the showcase entrants and get directions for viewing, should visit www.facebook.com/bahamasrealty, and click on the competition squares towards the top of the page.

“The excitement and spirit of the families who put so much work into decorating their homes for the enjoyment of others was truly moving. The magic behind the lights comes from the hearts of these families, and it’s palpable. Please take your children to see the lights and catch the Christmas Spirit,” she said.

Mr Brownrigg, who has personified Santa Claus at Bahamian schools, charities and special events for 40 years, added: “The weeks of preparation and beautiful lighting efforts in different segments of our community dwarf most houses in Albany, Eastern Rd. or Lyford Cay. You meet the families lighting these houses and you find out it is no mystery that they do what they do. They honour Christianity. Their bright and joyful spirit is a fundamental statement of what Christmas is about, giving and sharing and most of all, honouring the birth that changed our world. They greeted us with open arms and love. That is why we continue this very special competition... for the joy it gives.”

• See page 11 for more pictures from the contest