Residents in the Town of Essex can now compete for who can put their best lights forward in a festive celebration.
The annual Holiday Lights Tour Contest is returning to the Town, where residents and business owners can compete for Essex Downtown Dollars by putting up holiday lights and displays
Starting today until January 6, 2024, participants can submit a photo of their home or business holiday display online to enter
Residents can then take a self-guided tour of the displays by using the online interactive map to plan a route and vote for their favourite property.
There are three categories this year, the Toyland Award which is the best use of animation/inflatables, the Griswold Award which is the best use of lighting in the town, and lastly Classic Christmas which is the best use of traditional decor.
Sherry Bondy, Essex mayor, says this has been an ongoing event for many years.
"Holiday's are right around the corner, we're getting into the holiday spirit and its been something that has been a lot of fun in our municipality to see all the decorated homes and then to see who gets some BIA bucks for decorating."
She says it's a very fun contest.
"We have the Toyland Award for the best use of animation/inflatables, you've got Classic Christmas recognizing a traditional look, and then a Griswold Christmas recognizing the best use of lighting in town. So, lots of different categories for residents to have fun with their homes or businesses."
Bondy says winners will receive Essex Downtown Dollars, which is a great way to shop local.
"This is an opportunity for you to get to those dollars which is free money to any participating business. So you can shop local which is awesome. So you have until January 6 to get your submission because we know the holiday's are busy, so we're giving people lots of time to enter."
New for this year is that individuals can visit the Town of Essex Facebook page and vote for their favourite display to win the People's Choice Award.
Full details of the contest and to enter can be found by clicking here.