Melissa Wood David Petty

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If you’re in the Merrimack River region this holiday season you may notice that decorations are even more festive than ever before.

That’s likely because the Newburyport Garden Club is holding its second annual holiday decorating contest, bringing out the holiday spirit—as well as the competitive spirit—in homes and yards all over the area. And who can blame them? Last year’s four winners not only earned bragging rights, but each also won a basketful of gift certificates to area restaurants.

“We take a great deal of pride in the beauty of our area,” says Garden Club President Bonnie Adams. “This contest really helps to highlight that.”

The contest is open to residents in Newburyport, Newbury, West Newbury, Salisbury, Amesbury, Byfield, and Merrimac, Mass. Members of the Newburyport Garden Club may not participate, but everyone else, including members of other garden clubs, is encouraged to enter.

Winners will be featured on accentmagazine.com December 21. The Newburyport Garden Club thanks all participants in advance.

Submit Entries
The Newburyport Garden Club will  be accepting photographs for the decorating contest from November 26 to December 16. ACCENT Magazine will choose winners from the  four categories of tree trimming, holiday arrangement, garlands and wreaths, and holiday decorations. The contest is free, with one entry per household in each category. Entry forms are available at various locations, including the Custom House Maritime Museum, the Newburyport Chamber of Commerce, and donating restaurants, or you can download the form and instructions by clicking here.

Speaking of holiday spirit...
Check out last year’s winners for outdoor display, Angela and Rand Ackroyd, who invite you inside their beloved 18th-century Newburyport home filled with an abundance of holiday décor. Click here to read their story. With a wreath on every window and a Christmas tree in every room, their entire home is a spectacular holiday showcase.