It was a tradition that gets all the Ybor City shop owners getting competitive. It is the 4th Annual GaYBOR Holiday Store Front Decorating Contest. Again for the treat and amazement of all out of the area visitors and regulars to Ybor City, the store owners have decorated up to a frenzy of holiday gaiety! The competition is open to all stores, retail shops, bars, clubs, hotels, and offices. The extra prize went out to residences in the historic district who decorated and lit up their outside homes and condos. Five winning categories all competing to win up to $1000 baskets of prizes from other retailers in Ybor City. Hundreds took part in this years fun annual colorful competition! The party was held at the Honey Pot’s third floor. 160+ business owners, city officials, residents and members attended the holiday soiree. Food was donated by Gaspar’s Grotto, JJ’s, Laughing Cat, Luigi’s, and New York New York Pizza restaurants and the bar was donated by Southern Comfort. Entertainment by Esme Russell, Amy DeMilo,

Robyn DeMorrnay, Meanie Minyon, and Summer Alexander. Music by Judy B. Goode & pianoman Paul Thomas.

Decoration category winners were: Best Decorated Retail- Hoffman Porges Art Gallery at 1907 7th,

Best Decorated Club/Bar- Ybor Ritz at 1503 7th Ave., Best Decorated Restaurant – Hot Willy’s Hot Dogs on North 1604 17th St, Best Decorated House/ Condo – Jeff Duck & Bud McAfee at 1910 E. 4th Ave. and Best Decorated Group Effort category – Sherry Matone, Kim Cheeley and Brett Diebold at 1406 – 1408-1410 E. 4th Ave.

Thank You ALL for helping to brighten our spirits and make more cheer in historic Ybor City during the holidays.