Berkeley Family Takes Top Prize In Jersey Central Power And Light "Merry Christmas" Contest

Berkeley Township resident Tom Makowski has done it again.

Jersey Central Power & Light has named Makowski the grand prize winner in the company's annual "Merry & Bright" holiday lights contest, for the third time in a row, according to the utility company's Facebook page.

The Holiday Lights Contest was conducted on the JCP&L Facebook page..

Makowski received more than 2,840 votes out of more than 8,200 total votes cast on Facebook. He will receive a $250 gift card.

"Once again, participants in our 'Merry & Bright' Holiday Lights Photo Contest developed some of the most spectacular holiday scenes in northern and central New Jersey," said Mark Jones, vice president, External Affairs, JCP&L. "Thank you to everyone who took the time to visit our Facebook page to enter the contest and vote for their favorite display."

Customers were encouraged to submit photos of their homes' outdoor lighting displays on the JCP&L Facebook page during the first several weeks of December. Ten finalists were selected from all entries, and visitors to JCP&L's Facebook page voted to select the winners.

And just wait until next Christmas.

Makowski has accepted his daughter's challenger to double the number of lights display from 2016, to 140,000. He started small in the first contest, with a mere 17,000 lights and five lawn figures.

But each year his daughter challenged him to double the display. In 2015 the put up 70,00 lights and 125 lawn figures

This yee was a 17-foot Christmas tree, a dancing Santa and nine reindeer on the roof, six dancing on the lawn and the dreaded Elf on the Shelf.

"I have been working on an exciting addition to the display for two years, and expect it to be completed and fully programmed by next November," Makowski. "It's a surprise. "We would like to thank JCP&L for selecting our home as a finalist, and everyone who voted for us on Facebook."

First prize winner Brandon Gress of Union Beach, N.J., received 2,746 votes on Facebook and will be awarded a $100 gift card.

Image: Courtesy of Jersey Central Power and Light.