SECRETARY — Cookies, cupcakes, and chips! Oh, my! Christmas in Secretary is always full of yummy treats. When night fell on Dec. 11, Santa arrived in the town sleigh – one of the always popular Secretary Volunteer Fire Company’s (SVFC) trucks – to listen to the Christmas hopes of town youngsters.

While there may not have been as many decorated homes, there were some outstanding displays. The annual contest to pick the top three is always a tough job. Judges Rick Price, county commissioner, and Lenny Pfeffer, president of the SVFC, were chauffeured through town by commission president Henry Short and rewarded with tins of popcorns for their efforts by mayor Susan Dukes.

First place winner, Melvin Dukes, has a display at 116 2nd St. that is well worth visiting. Every square inch of house and yard is decorated to the nth degree with displays that capture the imagination of any child – from 1 to 100 years old.

Second place went to Renee Wanex at 105 Poplar St. Her home and the home next door present a delightful duo that represents the joy and beauty of the holiday season. In the third spot were the picturesque decorations at the 110 Branch St. Cameron home.