New holiday tradition takes hold in Warwick

WARWICK — A new holiday tradition has taken hold in the Village of Warwick: Warwick in Bloom's "Show Me the Door. "

On Saturday, Dec. 6, there was heavy rain and it was cold as a group of volunteer judges bundled up and braved the weather while walking through town to take a close look at 53 doors entered in the second annual "Show Me the Door - Holiday Edition" competition.

The competitors were businesses in town who took on the challenge from Warwick in Bloom to create a festive entryway that incorporated natural materials.

Once their tour was complete, the judges had a difficult task to determine the top three entries.

"It seems like everyone had fun creating their displays," said Deb Krol, chair of the event. "All of the doors were festive and so creative. The village looks spectacular."

Krol, who was not also a judge but accompanied the judges on the tour, added, "Using greens and natural products is the main criteria but the judges were looking for the doors that went above and beyond; those that were thinking outside of the box. Decorating with a theme in mind or defining your business with the decorations is always a plus."

Prizes were awarded to the three best doors:

First
Better Homes & Gardens Rand Realty agents and employees led by Bridget Wallace, were inspired by their facility, formerly the Warwick Train Station, with their Polar Express theme.

Second
The employees at Conscious Fork used their menu as their inspiration by stringing beans, brussel sprouts and fruits into the greens surrounding their doorway.

Third
The staff at Key Bank invested their time and energy hanging hundreds of keys as ornaments. They also painted a huge key red and covered it with natural moss. An antique cash register adorns the porch along with different greens, red berries and raffia.

Honorable mentions
The judges awarded Honorable Mention to Sewcology, Luci's Beauty Salon and Eat Sweet.

They also agreed that Newhard's, the Home Source is the Saks 5th Avenue of Warwick and the tree in the window of Fizzy Lifting Soda Pop and Candy Shop is a shows topper.

The judges were also impressed by the display of antique clocks at the Clocktower Building, Frank's Pizza's miniature pizza and cannolis and the whimsical gingerbread decorations at Regal Homes.

"The Warwick in Bloom committee," said Krol, "thanks all who participated and wishes the entire community a festive holiday season."

Essential information
Warwick in Bloom is a non-profit organization whose focus is on the beautification of Warwick. Formed in 2003; it has been supported solely by donations from the businesses and residents of Warwick in order to provide flora and fauna throughout the year.

"We've just brought our large pots in for the winter and are making plans for the blooms that will arrive in the spring and thrive through the summer," said Krol. "The live holiday kissing balls that adorn the utility poles throughout the Village are our latest addition to the holiday decorations."

To view all of the doors in this year's competition visit www.facebook.com/warwickinbloom.

- Roger Gavan