Contest time!

For the second consecutive year, the Lake Mills Chamnber Development Corporation (LMCDC) is teaming up with local merchants to sponsor a themed Christmas lighting contest.
“In our first year, we were happy with the results, and think that this year with a year under our belt, and people being more familiar with the idea, we will have even greater participation,” said LMCDC Executive Director, Cassie Johnson.
Once again, those competing will decorate their homes/yards to compete in the following categories: Faith-Based; Nostalgic; Clark Griswold; Inside-Out; and Charlie Browniest.
In addition, there will be a Grand Prize
          winner announced following the
         judging.
Johson explained that the categories open the contest up to more of the community to participate.
“If you do not have a lot of lights, or do not want to be out in the cold decorating, Charlie Brown can be done with one feature and one set of lights,” she added. “Inside-Out is perfect for those who may not wish to put up outside decoratoins, but can put their tree or candles and other decorations in a window visable from the street.” Clark Griswold got its inspiration from the Christmas Vacaton movies, where he goes all out to put up the brightest and gaudiest display in the neighborhood. Faith-based includes nativity scenes and other religious decorations, while nostalgic displays mimic those seen in the 60s and 70s.
Anybody wishing to participate in the contest, can fill out the form in today’s paper or enter online at www.lakemillsia.org/christmas-lights-contest. Paper entries can be turned into the LMCDC office or the Lake Mills Graphic office during regular business hours. The deadline to enter is Dec. 2, with judging to take place Dec. 10-11. People from the community and visiting the community for the holiday festival Dec. 10 are ecnouraged to drive around to the participating houses, and log on to www.lakemillssia.org to cast their ballots.
Once again, local merchants will be donating prize pacakages for the top finisher in each category, while the LMCDC will furnish
a Lake Mills Bucks prize to the Grand Prize
          winner. Also, like last year, the
          community and its visitors will be able
       to vote for their favorite downtown
       business, to make them eligible to win the business category, featuring a prize package donated by the Lake Mills Graphic.
Johnson concluded, “This is a festive time of the year, and we see this contest as a way to involve more of our community in the festivities and a fun and unique way.”