For the first time in the history of the Courier News Christmas Office Decorating Challenge, judges have declared a tie! Both 4 Operations Support Squadron (4 OSS) Cold Lake Air Weapons Range Operations (CLAWR Ops) and 1 Dental Unit/22 Canadian Forces Health Services Centre (22 CFHSC) Physiotherapy Office have been crowned winners of this year’s festive competition.
A Display of Creativity and Fun
4 OSS CLAWR Ops amazed the judges with their imaginative and interactive displays. Their space was filled with an incredible array of decorations and animatronics, transporting visitors into a holiday wonderland. The highlight of their setup was a unique game that tasked judges with “saving Christmas” by taking down “unfriendly” green balloons using Nerf guns. This playful activity brought excitement and laughter, leaving a lasting impression.
Meanwhile, the 1 DU/22 CFHSC Physiotherapy Office transformed their workspace into the enchanting “Molar Mountain Lodge.” Their entry was a winter ski lodge brought to life with remarkable attention to detail, including a handmade gondola, a cozy lounge area complete with a fireplace, animal-themed decorations, and an array of festive treats. The magical transformation and warm holiday vibes made the space unforgettable.
A Tough Decision
Janae Wandler, Manager of PSP Corporate Services at CFB Cold Lake, emphasized just how challenging this year’s judging process was.
“This year’s entries were truly spectacular,” said Wandler. “Every office brought something unique to the table, from creativity to the interactive elements that really captured the spirit of the season. The judges were blown away by the level of effort and holiday magic on display. It was impossible to choose just one winner, so for the first time ever, we decided on a tie. Both CLAWR Ops and the Molar Mountain Lodge showed incredible creativity and spirit, and we’re thrilled to recognize them both.”
People’s Choice Award Debut
This year’s competition also introduced a brand-new accolade: the People’s Choice Award. Voting took place on the Courier News Facebook page, where the 401 Tactical Fighter Squadron (401 TFS) Canteen earned the highest number of votes. Their festive display inside the canteen captured the hearts of the community. Congratulations to 401 TFS for taking home the inaugural People’s Choice Award!
Spreading Holiday Cheer
The Courier News Christmas Office Decorating Challenge has long been a tradition at Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake, bringing holiday cheer to all who participate and attend. This year’s tie showcases the incredible imagination and festive spirit of the CFB Cold Lake community, reminding everyone of the joy and camaraderie that comes with the holiday season.
Congratulations to all the offices that entered this year’s competition!
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Dipen Mistry, CWO of 4 Wing Cold Lake (right), surveys the 1 Dental Unit/ 22 Canadian Forces Health Services Centre submission for the 4 Wing Holiday Office Decorating Competition at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta on 13 December 2024. Photo: Sailor First Class Amy Langlois, Royal Canadian Navy Imagery Technician
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Dipen Mistry, CWO of 4 Wing Cold Lake (right), surveys the 1 Dental Unit/ 22 Canadian Forces Health Services Centre submission for the 4 Wing Holiday Office Decorating Competition at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta on 13 December 2024. Photo: Sailor First Class Amy Langlois, Royal Canadian Navy Imagery Technician
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Dipen Mistry, CWO of 4 Wing Cold Lake (back row, far right), and members from 1 Dental Unit / 22 Canadian Forces Health Services Centre, participants of the Courier News Office Christmas Decorating Challenge, pose with their decoration submissions at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta on 13 December 2024. Photo: Sailor First Class Amy Langlois, Royal Canadian Navy Imagery Technician
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Dipen Mistry, CWO of 4 Wing Cold Lake (2nd right), surveys the 1 Dental Unit /22 Canadian Forces Health Services Centre submission for the 4 Wing Holiday Office Decorating Competition at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta on 13 December 2024. Photo: Sailor First Class Amy Langlois, Royal Canadian Navy Imagery Technician
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Dipen Mistry, CWO of 4 Wing Cold Lake (right), surveys 4 Operational Support Squadron CLAWR Ops submission to the 4 Wing Holiday Office Decorating Competition at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta on 13 December 2024. Photo: Sailor First Class Amy Langlois, Royal Canadian Navy Imagery Technician
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Dipen Mistry, CWO of 4 Wing Cold Lake (right), participates in 4 Operational Support Squadron’s CLAWR Ops submission to the 4 Wing Holiday Office Decorating Competition at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta on 13 December 2024. Photo: Sailor First Class Amy Langlois, Royal Canadian Navy Imagery Technician
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Dipen Mistry, CWO of 4 Wing Cold Lake (right), participates in 4 Operational Support Squadron CLAWR Ops submission to the 4 Wing Holiday Office Decorating Competition at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta on 13 December 2024. Photo: Sailor First Class Amy Langlois, Royal Canadian Navy Imagery Technician
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Dipen Mistry, CWO of 4 Wing Cold Lake, and 4 Operational Support Squadron CLAWR Ops participants pose with their submission to the 4 Wing Holiday Office Decorating Competition at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta on 13 December 2024. Photo: Sailor First Class Amy Langlois, Royal Canadian Navy Imagery Technician
Corporal Andy Metcalf of 401 TFS accepts the People’s Choice Award from 4 Wing PSP Corporate Services Manager Janae Wandler – Photo by Mike Marshall / The Courier News
Members from both winning teams jokingly play tug of war with the Penguin trophy – Photo by Mike Marshall / The Courier News
