The finale to the "Fire Up the Village" Fire Hydrant contest put together by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce occurred last week at the Carlsbad Inn; a reception was held there for the program participants and guests, complete with a limousine tour of all twenty-six painted hydrants and an awards presentation.

The first place award went to Carlsbad Inn for their hydrant, 'Calamari', painted by Leon Martin. They received a ceramic fire dog, donated by Linda's Gifts; a gift basket purchased from Bwarie Gift Basket Company and a commemorative plaque.

In second place was Canine Companions for Independence for their hydrant, 'Paws to Remember', painted by Phyllis Swanson. The third place award went to Animal House Pet Care for their hydrant, 'Animal House', painted by Marla Epstein. Both hydrant winners also received a gift basket and plaque.

The Carlsbad Chamber initiated the fire hydrant painting program in October 2005 with the two-fold intent of bringing art and beauty to the area as well as creating community involvement and awareness of all the various merchants and activities downtown Carlsbad has to offer.

"This is a fun way for people to get out and enjoy what the downtown Village has to offer: unique stores, restaurants, a blossoming art and fashion scene and more." said Ted Owen, president of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce.

The program garnered over 300 votes from the community. For a map of the painted hydrants' locations and pictures of each painted hydrant, visit the Carlsbad Chamber website www.carlsbad.org.

The fire hydrant painting contest was sponsored byBarratt American and DeNault's True Value Hardware and co-sponsored by SZPR and Ideaworks. A portion of the proceeds were donated to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.

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