VALLEY OF LIGHT

Dolores lights up the town for Christmas celebrations

The Cozy Comfort RV Park took first place in the commercial category of the annual Dolores Christmas lights competition.

Judge Jeanne Scrivner said the park's theme of shooting stars was just too good to pass up, said.

"It is spectacular, and they add on to it every year," Scrivner said.

Owner Brenda Savage said her husband, Tony Down, makes the stars out of coat hangers, lights, and zip ties.

"We just love decorating for Christmas, lighting up this side of town," Savage said. "The $50 prize helps out for December's electric bill also!"

Second place was the Naked Moose Restaurant, and the Pony Espresso coffee shop took third.

The Dolores General Store, the Dolores Fire Station, and Town Hall were awarded honorable mentions.

Tina Archer, on Ninth Street, took first in the residential display, "Jim" on Highway 145 east of town lit up a series of trees, earning second place, and a festive display on Sixth Street and Hillside Ave. took third place. A home decorated with candy canes was awarded an honorable mention.

And special mention is always warranted for the lights on the hill, a Dolores tradition that spells out "Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men."

"We always admire and appreciate the lights on the hill, so a special thank you goes out to the Dolores Rotary Club and Dolores Chamber for making it happen every year," Scrivner said. "The Dolores community really participated this year. The town looks really nice and is worth a Christmas drive to enjoy it all."

In keeping with holiday customs, the Cozy Comfort will take down their lights on Jan. 6th, Savage said.

"They come down on the 12th night of Christmas, and that will bring you good luck for the new year."