Press release from the City of Everett.
EVERETT, SEPT. 17: The Monte Cristo Awards, a community-driven award program honoring exceptionally maintained residences, businesses and yards in Everett, are returning for 2024 thanks to grant funding. Nominations will be accepted through Sept. 30.
“The Monte Cristo Awards hold a special place in the hearts of generations of Everett residents and business owners, highlighting those who contribute so much to our community through the great pride they take in maintaining and beautifying their property,” said Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin. “I’m glad we are able to bring the Monte Cristo Awards back for 2024 thanks to an allocation of COVID recovery funding from Council.”
Community members are invited to nominate residential properties or businesses with exceptional street appeal for one of the following award categories:
- Green Gardening – Homes that display natural or green gardening practices. Two awards will be given in each district for a total of 10 awards.
- Neighborhood-Friendly Business – Businesses that rate high in overall curb appeal. One business per Council district will receive this award for a total of 5 awards.
- Pride of the Neighborhood – Homes and yards that make a statement, no matter the season. Two awards will be given in each Council district for a total of 10 awards.
- Rejuvenation and Transformation – Residential properties that have undergone eye-catching makeovers. One residence per Council district will receive this award for a total of 5 awards.
The top honor is the Marian Krell Award, which is awarded to a prior Monte Cristo Award recipient who continues to uphold excellence in property maintenance over several years. The award is named in honor of former Office of Neighborhoods director and Everett City Councilmember Marian Krell, who helped residents launch the Monte Cristo Awards in 1994.
Nominations are now open and community members are encouraged to nominate themselves, a neighbor or a favorite residential property or business by Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. Please include a photo of the street-view of the property that includes the home or business and front landscaping. Properties will be considered for their street appeal only. The nomination form is available online: everettwa.gov/montecristo.
Nominees will be reviewed by the Council of Neighborhoods, neighborhood and community volunteers and City of Everett staff in Oct. 2024.
The Monte Cristo Awards celebration takes on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at APEX Art & Culture Center (1611 Everett Ave). This celebration is open to the public, with a social time that begins at 6 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony at 6:30 p.m.
