Monday night was award night at the Common Council meeting. The regularly scheduled meeting took place at the John Street Quarters to accommodate a larger crowd.

The President of the Fallfest Board of Directors, Marshall Green, handed out checks to its 2011 charities. Access Carroll, Carroll Hospice, the Boys and Girls Club of Westminster, and the Carroll County Youth Service Bureau were each given a check in the amount of $8,750.

Lori Graham, volunteer and owner of Dutterer's Flowers, presented the annual holiday parade awards:

• Best animal: Mason Dixon Bernese Mountain Dogs
• Best walking group: The Cow
• Best nonprofit entry: Megan Taylor Float “Beautiful Butterfly”
• Best business float: Carroll County Veterinary Clinic (Gingerbread Dog House)
• Best vehicle entry: Mid Atlantic Mini Cycle Riders
• Best overall entry: Ravens Roost

Mayor Kevin Utz presented his annual award for the best holiday window display downtown. He said 18 businesses competed and the winner was Sturgill and Associates, an accounting firm located at 20 Liberty St.