For upcoming Holiday Events in the University City area, visit: https://www.universitycitynews.org/UCCA/HolidayGreetings2025
From Community Contributor (and Chief Judge of the Fantastical Tree Contest) Robyn Frattali: Florey Street neighbors gathered on Saturday, December 6, for the Fourth Annual Fantastical Front Yard Forest Decorating Derby hosted by long-time residents “Gummy Myke” and “Grammy Pammy” Kulwiec in their front yard and driveway.
Through a blizzard of flying cotton snowballs, excited pets, chatting neighbors and scampering children, a grove of festive Christmas trees took shape. Almost 20 families participated, each family bringing their own hand-made decorations to bedeck their tree. After the last paper snowflake was hung, the prizes given out, and all the doughnuts had disappeared, the morning finished with a drifting snowstorm for the children to play in.
This festive event, lovingly prepared entirely by Myke and Pam Kulwiec every year, is becoming a neighborhood tradition. Families sign up in advance on Eventbrite and bring their own decorations and theme ideas. The result is an amazing display of creativity, artistic talent, and holiday spirit.
The decorated trees will be on display in the front yard of the Kulwiec home in the 7300 block of Florey Street near the corner of Teasdale (you can’t miss it!) through December, so take your kids, dogs, and bikes and stroll by!
2025 Decorating Derby Contest Results:
- Tree 1 – Most Playful: Team Rubber Duckies by the Nelson family.
- Tree 2 – Most Sincere: Team Puppies and Pets by the Gathmans.
- Tree 3 – Best Use of Nature: Team Wreaths and Bows by the Bukovzas.
- Tree 4 – Most Delicious: Team Best Beach Bakers by the Worcesters.
- Tree 5 – Best Tiny Tree: Team Where’s My Stocking by Anonymous.
- Tree 6 – Most Clever: Team Crayons and Colors by T. Ho.
- Tree 7 – Most Colorful: Team Pinky Promise by Ekeroth and friends.
- Tree 8 – Most Wildlife Friendly: Team Skiing with Owls by the Hurtados.
- Tree 9 – Most Whimsical: Team Gold Stars and Gingerbread by the Burke family.
- Tree 10 – Most Nostalgic: Team Candy Canes by the Walters family.
- Tree 11 – Best Teamwork: Team Let’s Get This Done by K. Niess and Co.
- Tree 12 – Best Story: Team We Love The Earth by the Gentillallis.
- Tree 13 – Best DIY Decor: Team Where’s The Scissors? by the Bakkes.
- Tree 14 – Most Traditional: Team Fueled By Hot Chocolate by the Bottomley crowd.
- Tree 15 – Most Futuristic: Team Make It Shinier by the Miranda family and friends.
- Tree 16 – Best Example of Christmas Cheer: Team Silver Starlight by K. Jenkins.
- Tree 17 – Best Theming: Team We Love Christmas by K. Smith and Jenn.
- Tree 18 – Best Display of Christmas Spirit: Team A Star Guides Them by the Gilmore family.
