Downtown State College sparkled, shined and glowed with holiday lights and community spirit last night.

Seventeen fraternities participated in the seventh annual Interfraternity Council (IFC) holiday lighting contest.

Despite the cold, dark, damp evening, first-place winners Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, 417 E. Prospect Ave., lighted up the night with its plethora of lights, beaming volleyball net, holiday music and smiley face.

"We put a lot of time and effort into this," President Tim Wagner said. "We started last Thursday and worked on it every night."

Wagner said some of the members were out until 5:30 a.m.

"All fraternities push each other further," he said. "We used new ideas this year to get to the top."

Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, 200 E. Beaver Ave., won second place overall. The classic-looking lights covered the house, and bows adorned its trees and lion statues.

"We rented a huge 48-foot retractable ladder to get the lights on top," member Chris Beans said. "Our architectural engineering pledge had no qualms about it."

Beans said he was a little disappointed they didn't win first place.

"We will try to think of something even better to impress the judges next year," he said.

Third place went to first-time participants Beta Sigma Beta, 255 E. Fairmount Ave. The house was decorated with bright icicles, dancing deer, a life-size Santa Claus and white lights spelling out "Happy Holidays."

Member Jason Weinberger said the fraternity spent over $1,000 on the decorations.

"We put in over 40 hours of work," he said. "We are happy with the way it turned out."

Mike Lorber, IFC community relations chair, organized the event.

"Fraternities usually get a bad reputation, but this just shows how much people take pride in their houses," he said. "It's all about bringing in the holiday spirit, especially because there is no award."

Three judges determined the winners based on overall display, originality, creativity and design. Points were deducted for the use of colored lights, other than blue, the lighted display of chapter letters, or visible members outside the house.

"I missed Survivor to judge this, but it was well worth it," Judy Albin, associate director of unions and student activities, said. "It was an honor to be asked."

Colleen Briley, Panhellenic Council president-elect, judged the contest for the first time and was pleased with the effort the fraternities put into their decorating.

"It is great to see fraternities do something for the community. It makes a large impression," she said.

Stuart Spisak, special assistant to the vice president for student affairs, said he was surprised at how spirited the houses looked.

"It's hard coming out on this rainy night," Spisak said. "But this is a good way to spend a holiday evening."