Good News You May Have Missed
Hill City Celebrations Awards Prizes to Festival Winners
ONEONTA—Hill City Celebrations recently announced that Casella Waste Systems, Oneonta Veterinary Hospital and Keller Williams Realty are the winners of the 2025 Festival of Lights. Winners were voted on by HCC board members and were recognized by board officials with prize earnings. Each winning organization was gifted with a monetary prize for themselves, and HCC matched an equal amount of money for winners to donate to a charity of their choice, officials said.
First prize of $500.00 was claimed by Casella Waste Systems, whose Christmas tree made of garbage cans was a crowd favorite all season. Casella chose the Veteran’s Outreach Center in Oneonta as its designated charity.
Second prize was awarded to Oneonta Veterinary Hospital, a new participant in this past season’s festival, who assembled a festive arrangement of pet carriers into a holiday display alongside a heart monitor made of lights. Oneonta Veterinary Hospital chose to support Super Heroes Humane Society by purchasing needed shelter supplies with its $300.00 prize.
Third prize went to Keller Williams Realty, whose display featured a charming array of lights with a tall, white tree. Keller Williams split its $200.00 prize between the Otsego Resettlement Coalition and the Gilbertsville Food Pantry.
“The sixth annual 2025 Festival of Lights was a success, and we would like to thank everyone for their amazing support and participation this past holiday season,” said HCC Chair Sean Lewis. “Though the festival brings light to our Oneonta community for weeks during the holiday season, we are honored to continue bringing that light forward into the new year as prizes benefit local organizations that provide critical services to our community.
“Congratulations and thank you to our winners. We are so appreciative of your generosity. Thank you to all festival participants for making this past holiday season another memorable year,” Lewis said.
According to a press release, prizes were sponsored by Cleinman Charitable Trust.
Hill City Celebrations is currently seeking board members and volunteers, officials said. Those interested can join HCC in fulfilling its mission to promote safe, substance-free, family-friendly events that support arts and culture by e-mailing firstnightoneonta@gmail.com.
