The rest of the year, they are functional, and quite uniform in color, shape and size.

But during the Christmas season, they become gift boxes, candles and snowmen - and women.

The Ironton Business Association Monday evening handed out awards for the best efforts in parking meter decorations.

"Last year was the first official year we did this," IBA past president Mark Compston said. The parking meter decoration was Compston's idea. "We've always had free parking downtown during the holidays and we've always covered the meters. I thought we could make a difference and create some pride downtown."

Awards were handed out in three categories. Liberty Federal Savings Bank won the honor for Best Design with its snowwoman. The snowwoman stands at Fourth and Park, and Liberty Federal Loan Officer Judi Rice said she thought the location was a good opportunity to use the meter decoration to make a statement, because a lot of traffic coming into the city passes that corner. The snowwoman has a bag that reads "Shop Downtown Ironton."

Rent To Own won the Most Innovative award for its chimney and Santa decoration.

Allyn's Jewelers won the Meter Maid award for its candle that stands in front of its old locale at the corner of Third Street and Park Avenue.

"I didn't do it," businessman Tom Allyn said. "My daughter and granddaughter, Tami and Morgan Rowe came up with it. But anytime we do something to help the city, I think it's great."

Compston said he hopes that those who participated this year will save their decorations and use them again next year, along with a new one or two.

"We have 300 meters in the City of Ironton," Compston said. "I would someday like to see them all covered."