CAROL SHETLER/The Luminary Attending an 'Ugly Sweater Contest' party were front (left to right): Art Karge, Ann McMahon, Trisha Kopelcheck, Penelope Shetler, Phyllis Dufrane (Second row): Stacey Little, Patty Neff (Rear): Bob Little, Chuck Opp, Krystna Yarish, Heather Yowell and Jane Opp.

Many parties occur during the Christmas holidays including gatherings for employees, clubs, families, friends and organizations.

More than five years ago, a group encompassing many from the above list came together purely by happenstance. “I was shopping with two friends in a thrift store where we found Christmas sweaters we termed ugly,” said Krystna Yarish of Turbotville.

Before stopping to eat, the threesome put on their newly purchased sweaters. “The waiter asked if this was an ugly sweater party. We looked at each other and said ‘yes’, asking which one he thought was the ugliest. This was the beginning of an annual contest.”

The recent parties have been held in Hughesville at Kathy’s Cafe where Christmas trivia games are played. For a sing-along, pictures provide clues to songs. “We give all diners a copy and invite them to join in,” Yarish said.

This year 21 friends, relatives and work colleagues gathered.

Additional categories have been added since the onset. Winners included: The Ugliest Sweater worn by Patty Neff of Williamsport. Neff wrapped herself in an armor of garland and added lights. Neff seated herself along the wall where she could plug into an electrical outlet. Penelope Shetler of Montgomery wore the ‘Craziest Christmas Hat’. Her head was wrapped in gauze-like fibers which looked like snow.

Atop Shetler’s head, a battery operated lighted snow man swayed to the sound of music. Second place in vying for the craziest hat was Jane Opp of Hughesville who tied gift boxes together. Art Karge of Picture Rocks won for the ‘Tackiest Tie’. It featured the leg lamp from “The Christmas Story.” From Watsontown, Paul Putney won second in the tie category, its battery operated animation was battery powered. with an attached snowman. The ‘Prettiest Holiday’ pin was a reindeer worn by Rose Kopelcheck of Milton.

Yarish reported that, “Ann McMahon of Hughesville was given honorable mention for her cool rendition of ‘A Christmas Story’, donning an actual lamp shade as a head piece with an attached stocking covering her chest. All winners received a night light from the very recognizable leg lamp from the well known movie.