There were nearly 200 entries for last week’s mystery photo, which was taken on Minot Avenue in Auburn near the intersection of Hatch Road. About half were correct. Many others thought it was a similar scene taken near the Berry Farm on Mt. Auburn Avenue in Auburn. The sign caused a minor controversy last year when Republic Jewelry & Collectibles owner Dan Cunliffe II erected the words “Merry Christmas from Republic.” He was in the process of designing a bigger display when city code enforcement personnel told him the use of the words “from Republic” constituted advertising and had to be taken down. Instead of fighting the city, he said he decided to remove the offending words. The spirit of the message was to promote the holiday, not offend anybody, he said. “My idea for the Christmas light displays was to spread some Christmas cheer. Many people have said how they hate leaving work when it’s dark and cold at this time of year. It was my hope that the Christmas lights would brighten the end of their day and wish them a Merry Christmas. I have sincerely appreciated all of the community support over the last two years for the displays and I may try to set up additional displays around town if I can get some volunteers to use their property.” In a random drawing, Janet Nelson of Auburn was chosen as the winner. She said she often drives past the sign on her way to visit her parents in Mechanic Falls. When notified of her winning, she also told us her sister-in-law lives at the rental property where the sign is located. Janet is the winner of a $20 gift card courtesy of Hannaford Supermarkets.
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