A sunny and mild day provided the backdrop for a merry and bright Christmas at Quail Creek on Sunday, December 15. Christmas lights, characters, trees and painted entrance doors greeted attendees who gathered around the Madera Clubhouse. Festivities began with a decorated golf cart and ATV parade led by Santa and the Mrs., followed by contests for the Cutest Christmas Critter, Ugliest Christmas Sweater and Best Dressed Elf, a Christmas Trivia game, a 50/50 raffle, a chili buffet and drink specials at the bar. The results of two weeks of community voting for the People’s Choice Christmas Tree were also announced.
Executive Director of Green Valley/Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce Jim DiGiacomo, La Posada Activities Director Kathy Squires and Rancho Sahuarita Activities Director Kristina Moreno donated their skills to judge the various contests.
For the golf carts, Bill Craine’s North Pole was awarded first place with Eric Caldwell’s Santa’s Sleigh in second and QC Pickleball third. ATV winners were Dan and Janelle Ward first, Patti Giannasi second and Jeff Krueger third.
The Cutest Christmas Critters were deemed to be Mickey in first place with Judy Weyers owner; Truffle in second place with Pam Peake owner and Abbey third place with Pam Pirozzoli owner.
Competition for bragging rights for the Ugliest Christmas Sweater was stiff with 14 entrants vying for the honors. Christy Caldwell’s sweater took first with second and third place honors going to Pam Peake and Diana VanRossum respectively.
Eight elves vied for the title of Best Dressed Elf with honors going to Jean Mercer first, Linda Bishop second and Ron Darrah third.
Six clubs, Art Glass, Women’s Gourd, Gourmet Dining, Photography, Yacht Club and Women Who Wine, entered decorated trees in the People’s Choice Christmas Tree contest with the winner chosen by popular vote. The Women Who Wine entry was voted the People’s Choice. The Women’s Gourd Club entry raised $375.00 for Genesis House through a silent auction of their gourd ornaments.
In addition to these contests, a 50/50 raffle and Christmas Trivia game were held. Raffle winners were Tom Sudyka first, Robert Martin second and Sharon Krueger third with Christmas Trivia winners being Larry and Molly Hyde.
Special thanks go to all the residents who gave their time and energy to make this event happen: the Planning Committee of Jean and Jack Mercer, Nancy Toy and Vicky Woods; Ron Darrah emcee; Ken Haley photographer; Eric Caldwell and Tom Sefkow as Santas; Eileen Sykora as Mrs. Santa; contest coordinators Larry Neilsen, Carmen Murphy, Pam Leibowitz, Susan Sefkow and Connie Bandstra; raffle sales Rosie Evans, Judy Kerlin and Janet Mathis; Ron Caldwell window painting and Daryl Laux graphic arts. Be sure to say thanks when you see them!