River Region: 'Autumn Beautiful' contest winner named

The Dory Trading Post this week announced the top winner of its first-ever "Autumn Beautiful" contest in a presentation held at the Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce in Lewiston. The Burns family of Lewiston was judged most creative, taking the grand prize trophy for all the communities as well as the Lewiston community award for its winning entry.

"It was a close race between the Burns family of Lewiston and the Fox family of Youngstown for the championship of the Niagara River Region," said Aaron Dey of The Dory.

"We decorate for every holiday as many folks in the area know. It was nice to be acknowledged in the 'Autumn Beautiful' contest," said Tracy Burns. "We really enjoyed reaching out to our family, friends and members of the community to get them to vote for us on Facebook. Everyone was very supportive. I would like to thank everyone who took their time to vote for us. We really appreciate it."

Shown above (left to right) are Elizabeth and Gary Beaty, co-owners of The Dory Trading Post (an event sponsor); Tracy Burns, her son, Justin, and husband, Ryan; Jennifer Pauly, president of the Chamber of Commerce; and "Miss Jane," also co-owner of The Dory.

The contest offered a number of prizes, totaling more than $200 in value. Sponsors of "Autumn Beautiful" included Niagara Frontier Publications; The Dory Trading Post; the Chamber of Commerce, which supplied a gift basket from area merchants; Old Fort Niagara, which is furnishing a unique VIP tour to the winner; The Village Diner, Brennan's Irish Pub, the all-new Jaguar at the Bistro in Youngstown (formerly the Bistro at the Old Fort Inn) and the Baker Farm Market in Ransomville, all of which provided gift certificates.