Decorating contest returns for third year in Monessen
By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
Monessen will Shine Bright and Sparkle this Christmas.
Monessen resident Lindsay Beregi is spreading cheer to her community again this year by planning the third annual Monessen Christmas Lights Contest.
This year, the contest is called Shine Bright and Sparkle.
Beregi held her first unofficial contest in 2018 when she challenged family members to a Christmas lights competition.
She didn’t plan to continue the annual event last year, as she was caring for her late husband, Sandor “Shunny” Beregi.
He lost his year-and-a-half battle with cancer Oct. 17, 2019, and she decided to continue the contest in his memory because of his love for holiday decorating.
Beregi doesn’t plan to break tradition.
“Some of my favorite childhood memories include riding through town with my family looking at Christmas lights,” she said. “I remember The Valley Independent hosted a few Christmas lights decorating contests when I was a kid and everyone got really excited and creative.
“With everything going on in the world this year, I decided to help organize the contest again because we need positivity and holiday spirit now more than ever. This could become a great tradition for Monessen residents.”
City residents can enter their homes under categories such as people’s choice, most traditional, most festive and most unique.
Registration is free, but donations can be made to Sparkle My Head Scarves in the name of Sandor Beregi.
Sparkle My Head Scarves was founded by Monessen native Sarah Graby, who designs head scarves and caps for women, men and children experiencing hair loss from cancer treatments, alopecia or other medical conditions.
“During chemo treatment, my husband wore the first men’s cap she designed,” Beregi said. “The head cap meant so much to him when he lost his hair due to treatment, as he had previously had a full head of hair. It allowed him to feel comfortable and he always told me it kept him warm. He even wore it while he slept at night.”
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