FirstEnergy : Potomac Edison Announces Winners of “Merry & Bright” Photo Contest

A Hedgesville, W.Va., resident is the winner of Potomac Edison's 'Merry & Bright' Holiday Lights Photo Contest, a competition conducted for the first time on the company's Facebook page.

Grand prize winner Laura Miller received more than 560 votes out of 1,600 total votes cast on Facebook. She won a $200 Visa gift card and a set of Lumenplay app-enabled LED lights.

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

Continuing a tradition started by her parents, Miller creates a festive display each year comprised of thousands of colorful LED and incandescent lights, garland, inflatables and a large nativity scene.

'Decorating is a way to bring my family together to celebrate the holiday season, and it will continue for many years to come,' said Miller. 'We would like to thank Potomac Edison for selecting our home as a finalist, and for everyone who voted for us on Facebook.'

Runner up Gary Funk of Gary, W.Va., received 450 votes on Facebook and won a $100 Visa gift card. Funk's display included more than 20,000 lights synced to music that covered the roof and front of his home. He plans to make his display bigger and brighter next year by adding 40,000 lights that he kept in storage this year.

'Our 'Merry & Bright' Holiday Lights Photo Contest showcases some of the most spectacular holiday scenes across our region,' said Rosemary Spoljarick, manager of community involvement at FirstEnergy. 'Thanks to everyone who entered the contest and voted for their favorite display on Facebook. Congratulations to the winners!'

View the winning photos on the Potomac Edison Facebook page or on Flickr.

CONTACT: Lauren Siburkis, [phone]