We asked you to send your homes and businesses decked out in your best red, white and blue for America 250 and many came through, from Roxbury to Rockaway to Broad Channel. With that, we announce the best overall decorated home, which takes home a top prize of $250 from The Rockaway Times.
In June, we launched an America 250 home and business decorating contest and asked our readers to nominate homes throughout June. With nearly 25 entries across multiple communities and so many excellent choices, judges had a tough time picking an overall winner, but a home located at 219 Beach 134th Street has been named our Best Overall home! The large home, entered by Ava Berardelli, was covered in red, white and blue flags, banners, ribbons, flowers and some adorable Uncle Sam and patriotic puppy inflatables. Congratulations, 219 Beach 134th Street!
In second for Best Overall was the Diffendale home at 248 Hillside Avenue in Roxbury, nominated by Casey Brouder. With America 250 flags, inflatable bald eagles, large and small American flags and more. In third, we found 802 Cross Bay Blvd. in Broad Channel as a stand-out with a giant skeleton dressed as Uncle Sam, red, white and blue buntings and a wrapped utility pole, window writings and more, this home’s decorations took over the corner of East 8th Road.
In the Best Small House category, another home in Roxbury, 118 Roxbury Avenue, owned by Sybil Ryan and submitted by Noreen Horan, won first place, as it was covered from ground to roof in red, white and blue buntings, flags and signs, some even illuminated. In second place was 4 West 9th Road in Broad Channel, with a large inflatable eagle, Mount Rushmore, the Statue of Liberty, a 250 light up sign and more. In third was another Broad Channel Home, 1211 Cross Bay Blvd. with a Statue of Liberty and eagle inflatables, buntings and signs.
For Best Business, the newly reopened Grassy Point at 1802 Cross Bay Blvd. caught our eye, followed by Harbor Light in Belle Harbor and Jamesons on Beach 129th Street. Another business, Little Waves, a pediatric therapy and wellness space on Beach 129th Street, earned Best Office Space for their window paintings.
Best Apartment Balcony went to 103-02 Rockaway Beach Blvd. Apt B. The balcony, submitted by Vincent Barranco, had a nice American flag and red, white and blue buntings.
First place for Most Creative home was 156 Beach 125th Street, submitted by Timothy Parker. The home features a hand-painted mural on the wall with a flag, an eagle, fireworks and the beach. In second was 1028 Cross Bay Blvd. for their beautiful window painting. In third was Kenny Wodzanowski’s home at 424 Beach 133rd Street, featuring hand painted red, white and blue utility poles, a surfboard, boogie board and bike out front.
A special shout out also goes to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Academy and the rectory around the corner, and Memorial Circle for their lovely decorations.
Congratulations to all! Thanks for participating. In addition to the $250 for the Best Overall winner, all honorees will receive a certificate and a t-shirt from The Rockaway Times. Awards will be given at a reception in mid-July. Winners and nominees will be notified of the date and location.
