The home of Frank and Carol Kidder was the firs place winner in the residential category in the recent PABA holiday decorating contest. (Photo by Patricia Beech)

By Patricia Beech-

Christmas is in the air, and villages across Adams County have trimmed their streets in tinsel and lights to invoke the holiday spirit.
In Peebles, a spirited seasonal competition encourages residents to take their holiday decorating to the next level.
Sponsored by the Peebles Area Business Association (PABA), the Christmas Decorating Contest features two categories – residential and business – and requires competitors to live within three miles of the village.
PABA members on Sunday, Dec. 9 announced the winners of the 2018 Christmas Decoration Contest.
“We had a lot of wonderful entries this year,” said PABA member, Sis McCoy. “We appreciate everyone who took the time to decorate and participate in this holiday event.”
The 2018 first place winner in the business category is the Greene Beanery Coffee Shop, located in the iconic gray Victorian house next to Peebles High School on south Main Street in Peebles.
Owner Cheryl Greene said she was surprised to learn her business had won the first place prize.
“I didn’t expect to win,” she says. “But, I’m really glad we did.”
Other winners in the business category included: Hometown Pizza- second place; Blake’s Pharmacy- third place; and Studio B and Toots Bakery, Honorable Mention. All the winning businesses were located on Main Street in Peebles.
In residential competition, the Carol and Frank Kidder home on Cobler Street won first prize; Mr. and Mrs. Andy Baucom won second place; the residence of Terry and Jonelle Arnold on Elliott Avenue won third place; and Mr. and Mrs Doug Free won Honorable Mention.
According to PABA president Larry Shiveley, the annual decorating competition has become a staple in the village’s slate of holiday activities.
He said PABA strongly encourages eligible competitors to bring their best exterior illumination game to the decorating competition.
“We like to encourage everyone to decorate for the holidays,” Shiveley said. “The village always looks so nice, and I think the competition helps get everyone in the Christmas spirit.”

The Greene Beanery was the first place business winner in the recent PABA holiday decorating contest. (Photo by Patricia Beech)