Arlington Arts Council president Sarah Arney (left) announced winners of the "Some Things Fishy in Arlington" community project. Mayor pro tem Marilyn Oertle and Santa looked on from the side.

Arlington Arts Council president Sarah Arney grabbed a megaphone to announce winners of the council's "Some Things Fishy in Arlington" project during the city's Hometown Holidays celebration December 5.

Third place was awarded to Bowman Manufacturing for the company's machine-like fish representation. The staff of the Arlington Library took second place with a fish decorated with CDs.

Vicki Johnson took first place honors with her decorated fish cutout. Johnson currently lives in Mill Creek, but she and her husband are building a home in Arlington and plan to move to town in the next few months.

Hand-crafted glass plates by artist Kurt McVay were among the prizes awarded for artistic excellence.

"There were so many wonderful, creative entries that we'll be announcing additional winners at the Eagle Festival in February," Arney said. "Community participation in the project was just overwhelming."

More than 350 individually decorated plywood fish, ranging in size from 4 feet to 8 feet long, were installed along I-5 at the Arlington exit and at the intersection of Hwy. 9 and Hwy. 530 in town. Several fish are also on display at homes and businesses throughout the town. The project was developed to encourage tourism in Arlington by promoting the city's public art displays, many of which have "fish" themes.