Staff report
TERRE HAUTE — Twelve Wabash Valley not-for-profit organizations are participating in First Financial Bank’s 29th annual “Christmas Around the World” decorating contest, according to a news release.
The lobbies of the 12 Vigo County branches of the bank have been decorated by the groups and are ready for viewing by the public.
Each year, the bank awards $7,000 in cash prizes to the organizations for their efforts. A three-member panel judges the decorations based on creativity, originality and accuracy in depicting the Christmas theme chosen by the group. First place receives $1,500; second place, $1,000; third place, $750; fourth place, $500; and fifth place, $450. The remaining organizations each receive $400.
Judges this year are Bill Wolfe, local artist; Jon Robeson, Arts Illiana; and Peggy Apgar, Terre Haute Community Theatre. Judging will take place the morning of Dec. 8, the release said.
Participating organizations, themes and banking center locations are Vermillion County Community Theatre, “Christmas Eve at the North Pole,” main office; Community Alliance & Services for Young Children, “Santa’s Secret Garden,” Meadows Center; Hearts at Home Extension Homemakers Club, “Christmas at the Cabin,” Seelyville.
Also participating are Burnett Extension Homemakers Club, “Victorian Christmas,” Maple Avenue; Northside Neighbors 4-H Club, “A Polar Express Christmas,” Plaza North; Woman’s Department Club, “Mele Kalikimaka from Maui,” ISU; Purdue Extension Homemakers Chorus, “Sing a Song of Christmas,” West Terre Haute; Delta Theta Tau, “Peace on Earth,” Honey Creek; Epsilon Sigma Alpha, Delta Zeta Chapter, “Santa Thru the Ages,” Southland; Vigo County Lifeline, “Old Fashioned American Christmas,” Westminster Village; Sweet Harmony Chorus, “Music ‘Round the World,” Springhill; and Bethlehem Chapter No. 6 Order of Eastern Star, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” Industrial Park.
The displays are available for public viewing during regular bank hours through Dec. 23.
Any not-for-profit organization interested in participating in “Christmas Around the World” next year should call Sally Whitehurst at First Financial Bank at (812) 238-6427.
