Schools, businesses recognized for spirit in "Paint the Town Red" contest

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Seven schools and a dozen businesses have been cited as the most spirited contestants in the annual “Paint the Town Red” contest held during the University’s week-long Homecoming celebration.

A team of local celebrity judges chose winners in four categories for schools and for businesses.

School winners are:

  • Decorations – Fisher Early Childhood Development Center, Ernest Gallet Elementary, and Youngsville Christian School
  • Academic connection – Milton Elementary and Middle School, Fisher Early Childhood Development Center, and Ernest Gallet Elementary
  • Spirit – Milton Elementary and Middle School, Sts. Leo-Seton Catholic School, and St. Cecilia Catholic School
  • Skit – Fisher Early Childhood Development Center, Broadmoor Elementary, and Ernest Gallet Elementary

Business winners are:

  • Exterior decorations – Lowry’s Printing, Copying and Signs, Pixus Digital Printing, and Fire and Safety Specialists
  • Interior decorations – Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, Garden View Assisted Living, and Aveda Institute
  • Large business skit – Hilton Garden Inn, and Schumacher Group
  • Small business skit – Lafayette Coca Cola Bottling Co., Olde Tyme Grocery, and Kart Ranch

Each year for the “Paint the Town Red” contest is held for businesses and schools. Businesses were judged Tuesday. Schools were judged Thursday.

Judges look for the best and most creative displays of Ragin’ Cajun spirit and pride.

Monique Villien, event chair for the business portion of the Paint the Town Red contest, said about 20 businesses participated this year.

“We saw some really cool stuff, and they all put a lot of time of thought into it,” she said.

Large and small businesses competed for best interior decorations and best exterior decorations. Skits were judged in two categories, large businesses of 40 or more employees and smaller businesses of less than 40 employees.

Judges for this year’s Paint the Town Red contest are: Brett Baer, former placekicker for the Ragin’ Cajuns; Robert Harris, King Rob Productions; Ken Judice, BancorpSouth; Kip Judice, Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office; Bruce Mikells, 97.3 The Dawg; Hans Nelson, BIG 102.1; Jenn Nelson, BIG 102.1; Gail Savoie, UL Lafayette; Kassie Stoute, Sodexo; and Tracy Wirtz, KATC TV3.

The Homecoming 2014 theme is “Ragin’ Cajuns Ever After,” which refers to the University’s recent athletics success.

The ޻ֱ’s Ragin’ Cajuns will face the South Alabama Jaguars at 4 p.m. at Cajun Field.

Learn more about the Paint the Town Red contest at louisianaalumni.org/pttr_winners.

For more information about Homecoming 2014 events, visit louisiana.edu/homecoming.