TOMS RIVER, NJ, December 6- Downtown Toms River has announced the winners of its fourth annual district- wide holiday decorating contests for residents and businesses. 

            According to the judges, it was difficult to select three winners because all of the homes entered in the contest were beautiful.  First place was awarded to the Konopka Family, 16 S. Gateway.  Second place went to the Ritorto Family, 18 Prince St. Third place was awarded to the Gibson Family, 117 Messenger.  The decorated homes of participating residents were judged on originality, arrangement, theme and overall presentation.  First place received a cash prize of $200, second place received a cash prize of $100, and third place received a cash prize of $50.  All the winners will also be presented an award certificate, in addition to a listing on the Downtown Toms River website at www.downtowntomsriver.com. The Konopka Family will also receive a sign commemorating their victory to display in their yard.

Business contestants were judged in three categories.  Each will be awarded three complimentary radio advertising spots on WJRZ and an original holiday award trophy. These participants were also judged on originality, theme, appearance and overall presentation.  The business winners are: Best Downtown business, Visiting Angels, 228 Main St.;  Best District business (not downtown or Rt. 37) Cherry Lane Child Care & Leaning Center, Inc, 808 Main St.; and Best Window Display, Village Florist, 55 Main St.  Resident and business winners will be presented their awards at the Township of Toms River Council meeting on December 18. They will also be announced on WJRZ and listed on the WJRZ and Downtown Toms River websites. 
 
The judges, that were faced with the difficult task of choosing the winners were  Rebeccah Hunkele from Toms River South’s High School Art Department, Yvonne Yaar, Yaar Glass,  Art Cronk and C.C. Romano of WJRZ family.

Residents and business owners in Downtown Toms River were encouraged to decorate their homes and businesses as well as enter the contest, which was judged on December 5.  “We wanted to do something special during the month of December that benefited the residents and the businesses within Downtown Toms River as well as our surrounding communities,” commented Frank Capone, Chairman of Downtown Toms River. “Participation of our residents and business owners in the decorating contest has enhanced the beauty of Downtown Toms River while encouraging folks from surrounding communities to visit, shop, dine and enjoy the holiday splendor,” added Capone.  A special thank you is extended to all the residents, businesses, and judges who participated in this years contest. 

Downtown Toms River’s Design Committee has been executing a long-term plan to increase holiday decorations in the District over several years. “This is the perfect time of year to visit Downtown Toms River.  The Buildings and Grounds Departments of both Toms River Township and Ocean County have done a terrific job in decorating the Washington Street area,” commented Capone.  “We are thankful to the organizations in our District that help support and join in the spirit of the holidays,” he added.

            Downtown Toms River, the Toms River Business Improvement District, encompasses an area bordered by the Garden State Parkway to the West, Hadley Avenue to the East, the south side of Route 37 to the North, and the Toms River to the South.

For more information on Downtown Toms River, downtown events, or to become a volunteer at one of the fun events hosted annually, visit www.DowntownTomsRiver.com or call 732-341-8738.