SILVER LAKE — Two Silver Lake police officers patrolled the village Thursday night in search of something other than criminals. With Christmas songs playing, hot chocolate in place of doughnuts, and help from deputy village clerk Sue Nelson, officers Christopher Schneider and Kieth Kirwan set out to find the best holiday decorations.

“Outlining of the house is number one for me,” Schneider said.

Nelson and Kirwan like a variety of elements.

“It’s got to have it all,” Nelson said. “But not be too tacky.”

“It has to have a theme, not just be all thrown together,” Kirwan added.

Animated deer, icicles of all colors, lighted candy canes, nativity scenes, wreaths, garland, inflatable characters and big, old-school lights galore made it difficult for the trio to choose the three winners of the annual Christmas Decoration Contest sponsored by the village.

Village trustee Ann Augustin, who started the decoration contest 13 years ago, said the judges are given the task of choosing three homeowners whose decorations “best represent the spirit of Christmas.”

“Whether it be the religious side of Christmas or the fantasy of this season, each home is judged on its merits, originality and presentation,” Augustin said.

The judges are given the street addresses of those who called the Village Hall to indicate they are participating in the contest and do not know the names of the homeowners. All residents are eligible to compete, with the exception of winners from the last three years.

This year’s winners are:

The first place prize is a $50 gift card from People’s Bank, second place is a $40 gift certificate for Taste of Italy and third place is a $30 gift certificate for Silver Lake Grill.