Shortly before the arrival of Santa and company aboard the Novelty, the Gardens Aglow Community Lighting Contest winners were announced by Gretchen Ostherr, president and CEO of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

In 2023, there were 37 participants including businesses and residences. CMBG added categories to inspire and get those creative juices flowing. Each winner here received $700 and 10 tickets to Gardens Aglow 2023.

Carousel Marina/Whale’s Tale/Jax van der Veen & Evan Hepburn received The Clark Griswold Award (best lights to see from outer space). This one must be experienced. No photo could do this display justice!

Bridge House BBQ/Laura Murphy received The Movie Inspired Award.

Gimbel & Sons Country Store/Mark Gimbel received The Enchanted Garden Award.

8 Stone Wharf Road/Linda Richardson received The Most Spectacular entry of 2023.

Honorable Mentions (it was a tight race in several categories): Heads of the Harbor ~ Ports of Italy ~ Flagship Inn ~ 46 Montgomery Road ~ Boothbay Railway Village Museum ~ 36 Plummer Road.

Lastly: Keep voting for the People’s Choice Award through the end of December! Award to be announced in early January.