Entry Deadline Approaching for City's Holiday Lights and Festive Sights Competition

The City of Effingham and the Effingham Convention & Visitors Bureau are reminding that the entry deadline is approaching for the third annual holiday light competition "Holiday Lights & Festive Sights" for the 2016 holiday season!

You're encouraged to decorate your residence or business to help spread holiday cheer and welcome visitors throughout the season. All residents and businesses residing within city limits are encouraged to participate in the competition.

The competition will again feature four categories: business; Clark Griswold, including excessive use of outdoor lighting and decoration; Classic Christmas, including an old-fashioned, traditional and nostalgic display; and Reason for the Season, including a religious holiday display. One winner from each group will be announced.

Residences (and businesses) need to be completely decorated when nominated. A fellow citizen or the residence or business owner can nominate himself or herself. Nominations must be in by December 5th at noon. Call the Effingham Visitor Center at 217-342-5310 to nominate.

After all nominations are made, official judges will narrow the nominees down to the top three in each category. The top three will then be voted on by the public. Nominees can be voted for online on the Effingham Convention and Visitor Bureau’s Facebook page: Visit Effingham, at www.VisitEffinghamIL.com or in person using ballots located at the Effingham Visitor Center (1505 Hampton Drive). Voting will be open December 9 through the 16th at noon.

Winners will be announced the afternoon of December 16.

The first place winner in each category will receive $250, with the business winner picking a favorite charity to donate the money. They will also receive a sign to be displayed in their yard through January 3, 2017. Every person that participates in voting for their favorite holiday light display will be entered into a drawing for two $100 gift cards to their choice.

For more information on the Holiday Light Competition, please call 217-342-5310 or visit www.VisitEffinghamIL.com.