Louise Krafft2016
Alexandria — This holiday season marks the golden anniversary of an Old Town Alexandria tradition: the Old Town Walled Garden Club Holiday Door Decorating Contest. Each December for the last 50 years, the Old Town Walled Garden Club has encouraged creative and tasteful decorations on the doors in the old and historic district by sponsoring a contest to recognize the most striking doors in town. In keeping with Old Town’s historic provenance, contest rules require that, except for festive bows and ribbons, the decorations feature only natural materials and that they be made by the homeowners themselves. Purchased, professionally made decorations are not eligible to win. Judging criteria include originality of design, scale, color, contrast, and attractiveness from the street. The first, second, and third place winners as well as runners up will be awarded generous prizes donated by local restaurants Bastille, Brabo Tasting Room, Hunting Creek Steakhouse and Hummingbird Bar-Kitchen. Photographs of the winning doors will appear in the holiday issue of the Gazette Packet. From traditional greens to more contemporary designs, Alexandria’s door decorations make Old Town a holiday destination. Judging will take place Dec. 9-16. For additional information, email the Old Town Walled Garden Club at OTWGClub@gmail.com.