Chamber holding county-wide holiday decorating contest. 

Chamber holding county-wide holiday decorating contest. 

The Ludington & Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce has announced a new holiday event for 2020, Deck the Halls: A Mason County Holiday Decorating Contest. All county residents and businesses are invited to participate and light up the area in anticipation of the Christmas season.

The contest is being held in lieu of the November 28 Aglow on the Avenue Parade through Downtown Ludington, which had to be cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.

“This year, we have learned that our Chamber events have had to be altered to inhibit large crowds and, although we are disappointed to not hold a parade, we think these light displays will be a spectacular way to usher in the holiday season,” said Brandy Miller, chamber president/CEO. 

Local residents and businesses are asked to sign up for the competition on the Chamber website by November 29 and complete their holiday decorating by December 1. 

Rules of the contest are as follows:

• Participation is open to all residents and businesses within the boundaries of Mason County.
• Entry is free, no cost or fees apply.
• Entry applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 29.
• Contest is for exterior decorations only, including decorations in windows that are visible from the exterior. Judging will be done from outside the residence or business only. 
• Judging will be based on “curb appeal” as viewed from the street only. Therefore only those decorations located on the street side of the property will be judged (corner lots will be judged from both streets).  
• Lights and decorations must be displayed from December 1-27.
• Two categories of winners will be awarded: residential and business.
• Three winners will be chosen and awarded cash prizes: 1st place – $100; 2nd place $75; 3rd place, $50
• Winners will be chosen based on the highest number of votes received by members of the general public. 
• Winners will be announced on social media on December 28.

The Chamber will make a driving map available, so light hunters will be able to locate the festive exhibits on the tour. To access the light-tour map and to vote for a contestant, visit www.ludington.org/deckthehalls.