landlocked "light shows'' were singled out yesterday.

The 2000 Festival of Lights was hailed a "resounding success'' by co-sponsors, Belco Holdings and BF&M Insurance Group.

"We had a record number of commercial entries,'' said Debbie Turner, advertising and marketing coordinator for Belco. "This year's contest featured a new creativity in the art of holiday lights in Bermuda.'' The contest, in its fifth year, involved dozens of houses lit up in an attempt to win one of 13 cash prizes. This year's total of $10,000 will be divide among the 13 winners.

There were three overall residential winners, divided into East, West and Central, three overall commercial winners, divided into East, West and Central and one overall winner for the community.

The Eastern Commercial title went to Corporation of St. George's, Western Commercial went to Willowbank Hotel and Central Commercial went to American International.

The Eastern Residential winner was Mr. Edmund Faria, the Western Residential winner were Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Sherlock and the Central winner was Mr. Scott Barnes.

There were six second and third place winners in the respective residential categories.

The cash prizes were to be donated to a charity of their choice. Over the past four years, $32,500 has been given to several local charities.

In addition to the charity donation, the winners will receive a $200 rebate from their December electricity bill.

Although house entries were down, Ms Turner is already encouraging residents to become involved for next year.

"Because of the rain lately, a lot of people didn't feel that they would be ready in time,'' Ms Turner explained. "But I do encourage people to get involved. What better way to give to the community than have a donation given to a charity of their choice. And the electricity discounts are also a help.'' BUSINESS BUC