First-place winner Sharon Salazar
BY NICK DIAMANTIDES
Staff Writer
The Wrigley Association sponsored a home-decorating contest for the private properties that lie on both sides of Daisy Avenue (Christmas Tree Lane) from Pacific Coast Highway to Burnett Avenue. Last Saturday night, six volunteer judges walked up and down Daisy Avenue to select three homes with the best displays.
Sharon Salazar and Adriana Castro decorated 2055 Daisy for First Place out of more than 40 decorated homes. Three of the six judges gave them their highest score. In addition to a plaque and getting to hold onto the CTL cup for a year, they will receive $150 in cash, an hour of time donated by area decorator Your Color Diva, and gift certificates from Buono’s, Thai Sky, Pho America, Wrigley Pet Spaw and Tacos Don Chente.
Second Place went to Hector Marquez and Tony Mesa at 2336 Daisy, and Third Place went to Saul and Adella Vaca at 2264 Daisy. Second and Third Place winners get $100 and $50 respectively, plus gift certificates from Buono’s, Thai Sky, Pho America, Torres Bikes, and El Paisano Market. Home Depot also supported the contest with a donation.
“This is the kick-off for Christmas in the Wrigley area,” said Tim Patton, field worker for City Councilwoman Tonia Reyes Uranga and one of the judges. “This is a great way to begin the holiday season.”
“We are excited to be a part of such a great tradition,” added Gavin McKiernan, Wrigley Association board member. “For many decades, people have been coming from all over the Southland to see the lights and displays on Daisy, and the home decorations are a very integral part of that.”
Frank Buono, owner of Buono’s Pizza and another one of the judges, was also glad to be part of the celebrations. “This is a very special place,” he said. “How many lanes do we have in Long Beach with Christmas trees in the center?”
After the contest, Wrigley Association members walked the streets in the area singing Christmas carols.
McKiernan said the carolers enjoyed the best and largest audiences since the Association began organizing the annual caroling night three years ago. “ It was a great night to be out in our great area, meeting our neighbors,” he said.
