Gulfport Decks the Halls By Laura Mulrooney
LAURA MULROONEY
For the seventh year in a row, Smokin’ J’s BBQ won the award for best Commercial Theme.
On Monday, December 14, Santa and his elves cruised around town, judging this year’s entries in the City of Gulfport’s Holiday Decorating Contest. Santa and crew decided on two winners: one General Theme and one Commercial Theme. This reporter decided to go see what all the fuss was about. Driving up to Bill and Betty Drexler’s home at 5314 10th Ave. S., I thought I was in the wrong place. The outside of the house had minimalist decoration, with sparse lighting along the roof and lights projecting on the wall. I thought, “This can’t be right.”
I ran into Betty as I walked up their driveway and we got to talking. Apparently, the real design was out of sight. Betty hollered to Bill through their front door: “The Gabber wants to take your photo.” I didn’t see what happened next, but I heard it. As Bill clamored out of his recliner and jumped to his feet, I heard him yell, “I’ve got to get my hat.” The next thing I know, I’m standing in the Drexler’s garage, in front of one of the most elaborate miniature train models I’ve ever seen, with Bill rocking back and forth on the soles of his house slippers like a kid on Christmas morning.
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theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020
