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Christmas competition: Businesses decorate trees for fun and to inform

Photo

Photo by Dan Lassiter

Members of the Aktion Club decorate their Christmas Tree at the Pontiac Convention Center in Janesville. Clockwise from bottom left, Josh Jenkins, adviser Becky Green, Nicole Bole and Tina Oesterle arrange ornaments and garlands as part of the Christmas Communitree Competition and Show. Businesses and organizations entered the competition, which will recognize winners based on votes from the public.

JANESVILLE — Holiday shoppers needing a break can visit the Christmas Communitree Competition and Show at the Pontiac Convention Center through Sunday.

"We wanted to do something free and available to the public that's right off the main shopping area," said Rodney Oksuita, catering director for Best Events/KANDU Industries.

The event is an opportunity for businesses, nonprofit organizations and service clubs to enter trees into the competition and show off what they are about while having a little fun, he said.

Twenty-four trees are entered in the inaugural show, and event organizers said more trees are expected.

"So, we're hopeful we'll hit 30 trees," Oksuita said.

So far, there is a cupcake tree, a tree that appears to be a tiered wedding cake and a tree featuring chocolate-dipped ornaments, Oksuita said.

"There's a lot of cool things to explore and see," he said.

A tree entered by a local dental office showcases the importance of good dental hygiene, Oksuita said.

"People should come see the different trees and color schemes in white, vibrant turquoise blue, pink, green and brown. They're beautiful and in a lot of variations of colors and concepts," he said.

One grouping of Christmas trees is dubbed the "Four Seasons," and a Diva-themed tree drips attitude, Oksuita said.

The public is encouraged to vote for trees competing for awards in most creative use of materials, people's choice and best theme.

The people's choice winner gets $300, he said.

People already are talking about what they'll enter in next year's competition, Oksuita said.

"So, I think we'll really see some wild ideas."