SLECA names local holiday light contest winners

Nine local residents received $100 prizes in the South Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association’s (SLECA) annual Christmas Lighting Contest.

SLECA spokesman Joe Ticheli said the group received 29 entries in its nine service districts. Judging was held on Dec. 18.

This year’s winners are: Teddy Duplantis, Shrimpers’ Row, Houma; Marion Malbrough, Bayou Dularge, Houma; Joseph and Diane Talamo, Del Rey Boulevard, Houma; Floyd Breaux, Southdown Madalay Road, Houma; Chad Bourg, Timberwood Drive, Gray; Melvin P. Guidroz, Cypress Villa Lane, Gheens; Patrick and Beverly McDonald, Oak Street, Donner, Linda Cannata, Clair Street, Stephensville; and Ernest and Helen Mendoza, Lajaunie Street, Morgan City.

“Every year the judging gets tougher and tougher,” said SLECA General Manager Michael J. Guidry. “Some residents start planning their Christmas decorations months in advance in preparation for the contest.”

The residents began working weeks in advance of the contest to ready their homes for judgment day. Guidry said he was amazed at how much work goes into erecting the holiday displays.

“You don’t have to travel far to get into the Christmas spirit,” he said. “It’s right here in our own backyard.”

SLECA serves over 15,000 consumers in five parishes, including Terrebonne, Lafourche and St. Mary. It is a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.