Longboat Harbour put new twists on its annual Lighting of the Docks

The residents at Longboat Harbour Condominiums love a friendly competition. 

As a first-time participant in Lighting of the Docks, Margarita Lenk noticed every time she added more lights to her dock, her neighbor's dock was brighter than before.  

Stopping at Link's dock, one learned everything they needed to know about her by its items, including a drink, a symbol of her home country and where she taught in her career.

"I'm Margarita and I'm from Argentina," said Lenk, "So I'm serving margaritas. This penguin is from Argentina. I worked as a professor at Colorado State University, so I have a CSU ram and this year, I'm praying for peace on earth, so I spelled out peace."

Just like Lenk, residents decked their docks all week, adding new holiday decorations of their taste every day and saving their money pieces for the night of the event. 

On Dec. 7, the Longboaters walked the docks checking out the creative holiday displays to vote for their favorite one in Longboat Harbour's annual Lighting of the Docks event. Sponsored by its yacht club, residents received snacks and drinks at goodie stations along the way instead of dinner for an interactive component.

The dock decorations spanned from an octopus boat to life-sized, handmade nutcrackers, many Florida Christmas themes and even a Hanukkah dock.  

The completely outdoor event provided for a more collaborative and casual environment. 

The event also benefited Toys for Tots. In order to register for the event, each resident donated money to buy toys for the nonprofit.

Commodore Jeff Hecklau announced the winners of the contest won gift cards donated by the Lazy Lobster, Guppy's and Shore Longboat Key. He was grateful the local restaurants supported the longtime Longboat Harbour tradition as the island gets back on its feet after hurricane season. 

A new contest at the event, "Docktails," judged residents' bartending skills. People experimented with different cocktails, including margaritas, jello shots and prosecco with sugar rims. 

Mary Beth and John Schiavone took the win with their Whiskey Sours and "Woo-woos," which is a 1980s-inspired drink with vodka, peach schnapps and cranberry juice.

Mike and Marilyn Perez won third place for best dock overall, while Herb and Cindy Ritchell took second place. 

For a second year in a row, Jane Hunter and John Wheeland won first place for their Christmas caroling-themed dock.

As two-time winners, Hunter and Wheeland received the first replica model of a Longboat Harbour dock built by Commodore Hecklau. He said this will shared among future winners to document their hard work and memories from everyone's favorite Longboat event.