Light the city with holiday spirit

Two tiny reindeer and a spotlight left Jan O’Brien with a holiday memory. Years ago, the display was entered in the annual Residential Holiday Decorating and Lighting Contest.

The light projected the shadows of the deer on the two-story home behind them.

“And those two little reindeer made this big impression on the wall,” said O’Brien, marketing director for the Douglas County Convention and Visitors Bureau. That was probably 25 years ago, she said, but “I still remember that.”

Organizers are inviting everyone in the county to offer similar holiday memories this year by entering the lighting contest, sponsored by the Chamber Ambassadors for Superior-Douglas County.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to beautify our city and get it decked out for Christmas,” said Mary Kehoe, holiday lighting committee co-chairwoman.

It’s a chance to let your lights shine for all to see, O’Brien said, “as long as you’re putting all that effort into it.”

For Patricia and Dennis McCauley, much of the enjoyment they get from putting out decorations each year comes from others.

“I just love watching people go around, they’ll get out of their cars and take pictures,” Patricia McCauley said. “They’re just smiling.”

They like knowing that others appreciate their work. And they’ve actively encouraged others in their South End neighborhood to enter the contest, no matter what size their display is.

“Light up the community,” McCauley said.

There is no cost to enter, and every entry earns a $5 donation from the Chamber ambassadors for the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse.

“It doesn’t have to be huge, just one thing,” McCauley said. “The entry is going to help that charity.”

Entries will also be listed in the paper so light-watchers can find them.

“It really is a nice family night, driving around looking at lights,” Kehoe said.

The contest is for every display, no matter what size.

“Nothing too small; nothing too big,” O’Brien said. Winners will be chosen in five categories — Ambassador’s Choice, Best Use of Lights, Spirit Award, Master’s Division and Country Choice.

“There really are no winners and losers,” McCauley said. “We’re all winners.”

The entry deadline is Dec. 5, with judging taking place 6-10 p.m. between Dec. 11 and Dec. 13.

In past years, the contest has netted as many as 60 entries. Last year, there were 20. Organizers are hoping the later deadline this year will encourage more people to take part in decking the city with light.

“I just encourage everyone, no matter what they have out, to enter,” O’Brien said. “It’s all for a good cause.”

To enter the contest, call (715) 394-7716, stop by the Chamber at 205 Belknap St., e-mail jano@superiorchamber.org or visit www.superiorchamber.org.

Tags: news, money, family, christmas