Door decorating contest winners!

MARLBORO COUNTY — Marlboro County government employees’ Christmas spirit and creativity was on display for all to see during their third annual Christmas door decorating contest.

While the contest simply called for a decorated door, many departments created little cozy Christmas vignettes that they tucked next to doors and in the corner of hallways. Some had mini Christmas trees and presents while others had faux fireplaces and mantles hung with stockings and many other festive details that brightened up county buildings for employees and for citizens.

Treasurer Delorice Barrington, whose office is in the courthouse, said, “The county has been doing this contest a few years now, but this year people have really gotten into it. Everybody is trying to outdo each other. We’re really having a lot of fun with it. And visitors to the building have been enjoying it too.”

Doris Sumpter, the director of Administrative Services, said the contest was the brainchild of the Christmas Committee in 2022.

“The only holiday activity we used to do was the employee Christmas dinner,” said Sumpter. “We wanted to increase holiday spirit, so we came up with this contest and some other holiday related activities.”

The 2024 winners of the door decorating contest were as follows: First place winners were the Tax Assessor/Delinquent Taxes/Building Code office while the Treasurer’s Office took second place. Both these offices are in the courthouse. Brianna McQueen, in the administrative building, won third place. Judges were Michael Dease, Steve Akers and Dylan Osborne. As yet undetermined prizes will be awarded in the new year, officials said.

The library, family court, 911, the golf course and Susan Rivers also participated in the contest.

The other holiday-related events for county employees included the aforementioned Christmas Dinner, pictures with the Grinch and Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. Caroling Day was cancelled due to rain.