ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA — More than 80 contestants carved, sculpted and painted their way into the 12th Annual Decorated Birdhouse Competition at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa. The competition was held on Saturday April 16. Contestants used everything from paper cups to bottle caps to create dozens of creative and colorful birdhouses.
An intricate wood carving that resembles a tree house by Howard Atwood of Barnardsville, N.C. took first place honors at the 12th annual Decorated Birdhouse Competition. Atwood’s prize included $1,000 in cash and a two night stay at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa.
Second place winner in the adult competition was Jennifer Goff of Asheville, who received a $750 cash prize and a one-night stay at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa. The third place winner in the adult category was Claire Simpson-Jones of Burnsville, N.C. She received a $500 cash prize and dinner for two at the Blue Ridge Dining Room.
In the teen division, Joshua Hodges of Leicester N.C. took the top spot winning $250. Second place in the teen division went to Kayla Barnett of Asheville who won $150 and third place went to Amber Martin of Weaverville, N.C. with a $100 prize.
In the youth division, Jacob Goff of Asheville won first place and $150. Spectrum 3 Class with Sarah VenRensselaer of Sylva, N.C. took second place and $75. The third place winner in the youth division was Janna Thompson of Hickory Grove, S.C. who won a $50 prize.
New to the 12th Annual Decorated Birdhouse Competition this year was a category for employees of The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa and their families. Winners in the adult category were: First place – Debbie Knight of Barnardsville, N.C., second place – Heather Brannan of Candler, N.C. and third place – Hilary Thomas of Asheville.
In the employee youth category winners were: Madeline Grassette of Arden, N.C. – first place, Sophia Grassette of Arden, N.C. – second place and Kerrigan Duncan of Swannanoa N.C. – third place.
The field of creatively designed birdhouses will remain on display at the resort from April 18 to May 9.