With more entries than the year before, judging the PAPA’s Fourth of July Patriotic Home Decorating Contest was a tough one for judges. This was the eighth year for the Palisades Americanism Parade Association (PAPA) contest.
Sponsored since 2012 by realtor Joan Sather, the top winner was Jackie and James Hassett. Winning the Sponsor prize was Patrick and Elizabeth Ramsey.
Every resident in Pacific Palisades was el- igible to enter the family’s home by decorating, taking a photo and submitting it via a Facebook page. Other homes, such as the Ramseys’, were spotted by the judges as they traveled the different neighborhoods on July 3 and were automatically entered.
“What’s interesting is the Hassetts have won the contest twice,” Sather said, noting that in prior years, the Mercer family won twice and the Almarez family won one year and were runner-up a second.
“All of these folks just show over-the-top enthusiasm for the Fourth of July and it’s important the way they express it by being creative and original about how they work with the layout of their front yards.
“It is not only what they choose to put up, but where they put it in their yard and how the total look turns out,” said Sather, who has been a realtor in Pacific Palisades 28 years. “All three (Mercer, Hassett and Almaraz) have this quality mastered.”
This year for the first time, the Fourth of July home decorations were also done by homeowner caregivers.
Jacquie Leebody and Florence Bonkowski supervised the Fourth of July decorating efforts, which resulted in positive results. Leebody was the runnerup and Bonkowski received honorable mention.
“Jacquie’s husband was a WWII decorated pilot and there was a banner of his plane in front of her house,” Sather said.
The winner of the contest is invited to be a judge the following year. Jack Sutton, whose family was the 2015 contest winners, accompanied judges Honorary Mayor Kevin Nealon and his son Gable, Parade President Daphne Gronich, Parade Marshal Rob Weber and contest sponsor Joan Sather.
The winner receives a flag that has flown over the Capitol in Washington, D.C. Other prizes include car detailing at the Palisades Pit Stop Detail, certificates to The Yogurt Shoppe, Robeks, Massage Place, Dry Bar, Gift Garden Antiques and Palisades Gas ‘n Wash.
Goorus Yoga donated a free month of unlimited yoga and the Bay Club gave a gym membership.
“I want people to know that the local businesses do contribute and support July 4th in our town,” Sather said. “Especially this year, since we are all facing some weird dynamics for the next couple of years until the Caruso project is finished.”
To reach Sather, call (310) 255-5450 or e-mail joan@joansather.com.
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