Main Street Vineland has announced the winners of the Christmas Tree Decoration Contest on The Ave, in Vineland.

Vineland Public Schools students installed 12 Christmas trees in late November in downtown Vineland storefronts. The public could vote for their favorite online on the Main Street Vineland Facebook page.

The competition continued a 10-year tradition. The purpose of the contest is to bring students and the community closer together through the establishment of youth programs that will, in turn, build a stronger relationship between our school district and local businesses.

The winners were:

First Place: Dane Barse Elementary School, with 531 votes—winner of 100 Ave Bucks.

Second Place: Dr. William Mennies Elementary School, with 462 votes—winner of 75 Ave Bucks.

Third Place: Anthony Rossi Middle School with 332 votes—winner of 50 Ave Bucks

In addition to the schools that participated, I want to thank Rossini Salerno, Ross Stanger and Dr. Mary Gruccio of the Vineland Public Schools for coordinating this fun project and working out logistics with the participating schools, as well as for their participation,” said Main Street Vineland Executive Director Russell Swanson. “I also want to thank the businesses that worked with us by having the trees grace their storefronts and for Main Street Vineland Associate Director Robert Scarpa for coordinating the project from our end. It is a true community effort that brings a true sense of holiday spirit to The Ave.”

“I would like to think that all the participating schools were winners, also, for adding extra beauty to storefronts on The Ave again this year with some fantastic-looking trees,” Swanson said.