For nearly two decades, the Owensboro Municipal Utilities Holiday Lighting Contest has celebrated City residents who go above and beyond to brighten the holiday season. This year, Taylor and Codey Shock took home the title with their display at 1949 Wyandotte Avenue.
After nine years of competing, the Shocks finally claimed the victory. Their display includes a 20-foot inflatable Santa, LED arches lining the yard, and spaced lights on the roof.
A release from OMU said the Shock’s display stood out among dozens of creative entries. The OMU judges were impressed by the originality, creativity, and extensive use of lighting.
“It feels great,” Codey Shock said. “We’ve been trying for years, adding a little more each time, and this year, we finally did enough to win.”
The Shocks’ display includes more than 8,000 lights, a spiral LED Christmas tree with motion effects, and festive inflatables like a Nutcracker and Grinch. The family, including Taylor and the couple’s children Ray and Larson, worked together to create the display.
“My son loves plugging in the lights and setting up inflatables, and my daughter enjoys taking pictures and editing them,” Shock said.
The prize for their hard work includes a $250 OMU gift certificate, an illuminated metal sign marking their win, professional photos of their display, and recognition from OMU.
The family’s tradition of holiday decorating runs deep.
“I get it from my dad,” Shock said. “He’s been decorating like this my whole life.”
The Shocks also enjoy visiting other light displays for inspiration, which they plan to incorporate into future competitions.
“Even if we can’t win again, we’ll keep growing our display every year,” Shock said.
OMU has hosted the Holiday Lighting Contest for 20 years, aiming to foster holiday spirit and community pride. For more information on the contest and its history, visit the OMU website.
