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Special
Events ‘We’re spreading the Christmas cheer’ in Slinger By Gay Griesbach SLINGER – Night falls in the village, revealing Christmas displays that range from ultra tacky to uber cool. This week, 18 judges-Slinger Advancement Association members, friends and relatives- patrolled the streets to find the ultimate holiday display. From gaudy to simple – white lights or a yard full of snowmen, candy canes, elves, Santas and nativity scenes – all have a chance to take the top prize of $80, which helps defray the cost of that December utility bill. Scenic Avenue resident and last year’s first-place winner, Robert Boettcher, said his December electric bill is about $20-$25 higher than other winter months. The Boettcher home is featured in December on the village Community Calendar and all winners have their name inscribed on a plaque that is housed in the Village Hall. After winning, candidates are not eligible for competition for five years, SAA member Larry Gundrum said. For the Boettchers, being out of the running this year hasn’t stopped them from keeping up with the Joneses – or the Lehns, Bamkes, or Wallses. For Gundrum, gaudier décor is better, but that doesn’t always constitute a winner. Judge Lois Weninger prefers white lights, crisp lines and tasteful decorations. “When it comes to lights, you can’t overdo it,” said Marguerite Gundrum, who was also in on the voting. Larry Gundrum said with so many judges, taste varies so no one is out of the running, but that doesn’t make it any easier to pick a top four out of the 34 homes nominated by SAA members. “They are all so neat,” said Marguerite Gundrum from the back seat of her son’s car as they patrol village neighborhoods. The oohs and ahhs continued from home to home. It’s a good thing Slinger’s new substation went on line. The corner of East Washington Street and Scenic Avenue puts a strain on the transformers, but is a delight to the eye. “Washington and Scenic are outstanding every year,” said Larry Gundrum. This year’s first-prize winners, Tom and Jean Lehn live just around the corner from the Boettchers. Adding a few more lights this year – a star on the roof, another tree in the yard and new synchronized music that operates flashing lights on trees – may be what put the Lehns over the top. “I didn’t want to go too wild,” said Tom Lehn, who lives on East Washington Street. For the past five or six years, Lehn said light untangling begins the week before Thanksgiving. The following weekend, decorating become a neighborhood affair for Lehn, Boettcher and William Wall. They turn their lights on, as a group on Dec. 1. “We have fun doing it,” said Tom Lehn, who has noticed that every year, more neighbors join in. “We’re spreading the Christmas cheer,” said Tom. Tom’s brother Tim and his wife, Paula, took top honors with their Winter Lane home in 2001. “I keep giving him a hard time, telling him ‘you need more lights,” said Tim Lehn. “He went up on lights and I cut down. I’m getting older and I can’t get up on the roof anymore.” The Slinger Advancement Association has been holding the contest since 1989. Gundrum, who came up with the idea in 1989, said 2005 was the first year SAA members nominated homes. Before that, judges traveled every road – a lot of driving when you consider there are more than 20 miles of streets in the village. After nominations are made, a heads-up letter is sent to contestants so they know why people are stopping in front of their home. Norman and Virginia Zimmerman won in 2004, and Virginia said people still stop or slow down to take a gander at their holiday display. She said her husband, now 89, still delights in having a show-stopper holiday home, even if he is not eligible for the contest. “He loves to do it,” said Virginia. “He doesn’t care if he wins or not.”
4th Place - Ivan and Melinda Schall, 104 Commerce Blvd.
2nd Place - Mary Zuern, 618 Lou's Way
3rd Place - Fred Sternke, 180-182 Glen Hill Drive
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