Moorpark Family Light Display Wins 1st in Contest

A yard display that included Mickey and Minnie Mouse with Santa at the North Pole took first prize in the sixth annual holiday home decorations and lighting contest sponsored by the Moorpark Community Arts Committee.

Karen La Porte, who faced Santa Ana winds and soaring electric bills, was happy with her display and her victory on Tuesday.

“I can’t believe I won,” La Porte kept repeating when she heard the news.

The La Porte family took third place in the contest last year, but Karen La Porte was still surprised at their win. She said she entered so others would come by and see the decorations. “I did it this year to have fun,” she said. La Porte said her son, Justin, 16, and her 10-year-old niece Jaclyn Adams had a hand in the decorating.

“Justin climbed the roof to get to places where I was afraid to go,” La Porte said. The 20 homes that entered the contest were judged on creativity, adherence to a chosen theme, sensitivity to the environment and overall effectiveness, said event coordinator Eloise Brown.

The Coleman family, who had been entered by a neighbor, came in second. Richard and Sandy Schwab, who live in a mobile home park, took third place and Scott Poll received honorable mention.

Brown said the La Porte family and all those who placed will receive trophies.