Portage la Prairie's Holiday Lights contest is over and the winner has been announced. Many, many houses were beautifully lit up with holiday cheer for the last few weeks, giving people a beautiful presentation throughout the city.

Folks were invited to drive around town and take in all the presentations that were registered on the City's website map, which was especially great this year seeing as the annual parade had to be cancelled due to COVID restrictions.

Mayor Irvine Ferris personally made the presentation to the winner.

Mayor Ferris presenting prize to Cliff Sawchuk who personally created the light displays from recycled sets"Our winner this year was Cliff Sawchuk on 236 Portage Ave," says Ferris. "His decorating prowess got the most votes. So, Wednesday afternoon, we went over to present him with his prize package. Obviously, I've seen the lights at night and it looks really, really great. But when I got there, I discovered that all the decorations were made from recycled materials and it was really interesting to see that up close. He did such a good job on it. To make them himself, that's quite a feat."

Ferris says if anyone is going on a lights tour the next several days, make sure you include Portage Ave.

"There are some great displays out there this year," adds Ferris.

He explains the prize package included a pair of City of Possibility socks, which he notes is very comfortable, a city toque, coffee mug, with some more prizes all wrapped up in a small green recycling bin.

"So, after you empty it out, you can reuse the bin," says Ferris. "I think he was very grateful for having won, and he's been very enthusiastic about showing us around and explaining how he made the ornaments. I think he was very pleased that his hard work was recognized by the people."

Ferris adds it came down to five finalists, and the vote was made by the public.

Other finalists: