Utica names winners of its annual Halloween home decoration contest

UTICA — Spooky season is over and the annual Halloween home decoration contest winners in Utica have been announced.

This year, the winners are Janet Bezdziecki, of MacKay Court, and Christine Reese, of Cass Avenue.

The prize for each winner is a $25 gift certificate from Sarge and Red’s Toys and Collectibles and two tickets to the Reptarium.

Stacie Bilby, from Utica, said her family helps Mayor Gus Calandrino with the decoration contests in Utica. The Halloween home decoration contest was posted on Utica’s Facebook page Oct. 15. People voted by liking the pictures of the decorated homes that they wanted to win.

“The contests are always so much fun. My daughters and I have a blast taking pictures, talking to people about their efforts and the sense of community it brings to Utica. Watching the votes tally up on the pictures is such a joy. It seems that since we started the contests, not only are more people decorating, but more are voting as well. Utica has such a sweet hometown feel and highlighting everyone’s artistic flair at holiday time just helps bring us all together,” Bilby said.

Calandrino said the annual contest started when he posted online some pictures of homes that were decorated for Halloween a few years ago.

“The post was so popular, I decided to take many more photos and make it a contest. I’d like to thank the Reptarium and Sarge and Red’s Toys for sponsoring the prizes. Due to the popularity of the contest, we decided to have two winners this year; one winner from the neighborhoods east of Van Dyke, and one winner from the neighborhoods west of Van Dyke,” Calandrino said.

He thanked Bilby and her family for helping take the pictures and organize the contest.

“I wouldn’t be able to do it without their help,” Calandrino said.