Members of the North Catasauqua Betterment Committee set out on a chilly, December night last week to judge the Seventh Annual North Catasauqua small Town USA Holiday Home Decorating Contest.

More than two dozen homes were entered in the contest.

This year's entries helped to make North Catasauqua sparkle for the holiday season and made the judge's decisions challenging.

Selected as the first-place winner for large residence was the home of Jennie Pluchinsky, 726 Hunter St. The first-place award for small residences went to Robert Fioranelli, 1328 Fourth St.

In second and third place are the homes of Eric and Karen DeLabar, 115 Third St., and Michael Luciano, 840 Willow St.

A judges honorable mention was awarded to Barry Avate of 1255 Seventh St.

Area residents are invited to drive through the borough and view the many beautiful, decorated homes. Look for some of the highlights of the entries, including a Christmas hippo, a panda, a moose, and a pig at one home; and other homes featuring a dancing Mrs. Claus, a Christmas Ferris wheel, beautiful manger scenes, polar bears and snowmen and a home showcasing Philadelphia Eagles pride.

Judges observed an increased use of LED lights at many of the homes, but said many homes still displaying the "old school" C9 bulbs.

Overall, the displays are neatly done with a creative use of lights, lawn ornaments and color schemes ranging from very simple to over the top.

To see the homes, start at Borough Hall (1066 Fourth St.). Go to Chapel and turn right. Proceed to Third Street and turn right, go to Eugene Street and turn left. Go to Second Street and turn left and then go to Chapel Street and turn left.

On Chapel Street, go to Howertown Road and turn left, go to Chapel Street and turn right, proceed to American Street and turn right, go to Locust Street and turn right, go to Howertown Road and turn right, go to Grove Street and turn left, go to Arch Street and turn a slight right.

On Arch Street, go to Seventh Street and turn left, go to Chapel Street and turn right, go to Sixth Street and turn right to Buttonwood Street and turn left. Go to Fourth Street and turn right and go to Cypress Street and turn right.

On Cypress Street, go to Grove Street and turn onto Grove Street, heading toward the park. Go to Howertown Road and turn left, go to Hunter Street and turn right, go to Berks Street and turn right, go to Breinings Lane and turn left.

On Breinings Lane, go to Howertown Road and turn right to Palomino Drive and turn left. Go to Culver Street and turn left, go to Willow Drive and turn left, go to Howertown Road and turn right, go to Wyandotte Street and turn right, go to Seventh Street and turn left, go to Green Street and turn right, go to Washington Street and turn left. Proceed to Grove Street and turn right to Fourth Street and arrive back at borough hall.