Allan Blanks/MDN
In the center, Beth Pietsch, the winner of the 2016 ugly sweater contest stands between finalists Kerri Tyler and Kristin Kowalczyk. More than a dozen competitors took part in the “Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest”.

Allan Blanks/MDN
Fierce competition took place at the WArd County Auditors office Thursday morning, as contestants put forth their ugliest Christmas sweaters.