Tarentum names top decorators in borough contest

Tom Tyborowski begins decorating his Tarentum house for Christmas at the same time the Halloween pumpkins go out — but the lights, reindeer and nutcrackers remain at least until February.

“We enjoy it and sometimes after the rush of the holidays, when everything seems blah, we enjoy the lights just a little more,” Tyborowski said.

Efforts at his East Eighth Avenue home paid off this year.

Tyborowski and roommate Glenn Marsh won the borough’s house decorating contest in the Most Traditional category.

Tarentum has long sponsored a contest for business owners to show off their storefronts. This year, the borough decided to extend it to residents in order to boost holiday spirit after nearly two years of the lingering pandemic and related event cancellations.

Three top winners were named in the business district and in the residential areas. Categories were Car Stopper, Most Traditional and Most Colorful.

In the residential category, winners are:

• Car Stopper — Kelli Koprivnikar and Jack Wise, 318 W. 11th Ave.

• Most Traditional — Tom Tyborowski and Glenn Marsh, 506 E. Eighth Ave.

• Most Colorful — David Kjanica, 509 E. 10th Ave.

In the business district, winners are:

• Car Stopper — Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio, 300 Corbet St.

• Most Traditional — Lehman Flower Shop, 208 Corbet St.

• Most Colorful — Tarentum Post Office, 708 Corbet St.

“This is an awesome event that brings out the spirit of Christmas in everyone,” said Carrie Fox, president of the Tarentum recreation board.

“It was so much fun including the residents this year. Getting to hear how much our residents and businesses enjoy lighting up and bringing joy to others is so special for Tarentum.”

Along with bragging rights, winners received a lawn sign and will have their names posted on the municipal website.

Joyce Williams, owner of Lehman Flower Shop, has participated in the window contest for several years. She believes it adds a special touch to the borough and makes shoppers feel welcome.

Williams’ stockroom is packed with a plethora of decorations she pulls from each year to mix up her window theme. This year, she went for a traditional look with a Father Christmas figurine standing by a mantle, a Christmas tree, plenty of poinsettias, garland and a young girl playing with a dollhouse.

“I have so many gingerbread, deer, animated figures and everything else that it’s fun to make it different every year,” said Williams, who has taken home the top prize in the past.

“It gets everyone involved, and it’s nice for the community.”

Tyborowski has lived in his home for 15 years and said he always goes heavy on the holiday decor.

“This contest gave us a boost,” he said. “We did a lot of lights.

“We enjoy lighting everything up and carrying that holiday spirit into the new year.”