Effingham's New Christmas Lighting Contest Begins Today

The City of Effingham and the Effingham Convention and Visitors Bureau are reminding that the first annual Christmas lighting competition "Holiday Lights and Festive Sights" begins today.

The City and the CVB encourage citizens to decorate their residences to help spread holiday cheer and welcome visitors throughout the season. All residents living within city limits are encouraged to participate in the competition. The competition will have one first place winner and two drawing winners.

Residences need to be completely decorated when nominated. A fellow citizen, the residence owner, or a City commissioner can nominate residences. Nominations may be made between today and noon on December 1. Phone the Effingham Visitor Center at 217-342-5310 to nominate. After all nominations are made, Effingham City Council members will narrow the nominees down to five residences that 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, or in person using ballots located at the Effingham Visitor Center at 1505 Hampton Drive. Voting will be open December 4-11. Winners will be announced on December 12.

The first place winner will receive $1,000 and a sign to be displayed in their yard through January 5, 2015. Every person that participates in voting for their favorite holiday light display will be entered into a drawing for one of two $250 gift cards to Wal-Mart. 

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