Pandemic changed holiday happenings but can't stop them in one Harrison neighborhood

Harrison was shining bright Friday night.

More than 20 homes located in the 1st Ward in the township participated in the inaugural Holiday Light Contest Friday night.

Winners announced in three categories: “Hallmark Movie,” “Clark Griswold” and “Car Stopper.”

Harrison Township Commissioner Charles Dizard said the holiday decorating contest was organized by resident Jennifer Messaros after a string of events had to be canceled as the result of the coronavirus spread.

“This is a wonderful example of spontaneous community spirit at a time when everyone’s lives have been upended with the impact of covid-19 pandemic,” Dizard said.

The contest was open to any resident in the ward, which includes the neighborhood around Allegheny Valley Hospital. Three judges, Lana Shaftic, Sheila Bernardini, and the Cottone family, cruised the neighborhood in their respective cars selecting winners.

Messaros said she was motivated to create the contest as a source of holiday cheer.

“This year has been a struggle with the pandemic, and it’s helping the community come together,” Messaros said.

On Oregon Avenue, Highlands School District musical director and teacher Michael Zeiler, 35, spent 15 days decorating his house.

He chose an interactive music/light Griswold display, including the iconic movie character Cousin Eddie mannequin holding a sewer hose.

“I have always been about spreading holiday love, cheer, magic and kindness during the season,” Zeiler said. “I felt like I needed to do something that was fun, and ‘Christmas Vacation’ is my ‘must-watch’ holiday movie.”

Zeiler recruited family members, including his father, Ron, to help him install more than 8,500 LED lights.

“This was new to me,” Zeiler said, “because usually this time of year I devote all of my time to my students, and we are performing around the area.”

Over on Carlisle Street, Andrew and Christine Spece created a storybook vintage Christmas scene, complete with antique decorations.

They even arranged for Santa and Mrs. Claus show up to greet residents cruising by to enjoy the neighborhood displays.

“Every year my husband seems to want to downsize, but I acquire more decorations,” Christine said. “I love the nostalgia.”

Mary Beth Koprivnikar sets up the same Christmas display annually.

“This is my tradition,” Koprivnikar said. “If you come back next year, you’ll see the same. It takes me about two hours to set it all up. I have a system.”

Resident Kathy Brooke decorated some of her trees with stylized icicle lights at her traditional brick home on Oakwood Place.

“Participating has been so much fun,” Brooke said. “I think the contest inspired people to decorate more this year.”

Winners received gift baskets with gift cards donated from local businesses.

Messaros said Phillippi’s Pizzeria in Harrison donated three gift cards for prizes and members from the community donated cookies, a custom yard sign, handmade ornaments and more.

“I hope to expand the contest next year and get more sponsorship and incorporate a food bank donation aspect, too,” Messoros said.

Zeiler said the feedback has been enthusiastic.

“I had a lady show up in tears and say I brought joy to the area,” Zeiler said. “I’ve had people honk, walk up and take pics.

”If this pandemic has led to one thing, it’s more family time.”