Residents of the town of Cicero are getting a chance to show off their brightest lights and cheeriest holiday decorations.
The town’s Youth Bureau, Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its second annual Holiday Decorating Contest from now through Dec. 14. The contest officially kicked off Nov. 14.
“The department decided to host this contest last year as a way to show others how beautiful our community is,” said Julie Raddell, who coordinates the contest. “The response was overwhelming in 2014 and we are hoping for an even larger number of nominations in the second year.”
In addition to showing off the best decorations the town has to offer, Raddell said the contest highlights the community spirit in Cicero.
“The best part about receiving nominations is reading the high praise people have for their neighbors,” she said. “Most people don’t just send us an address; they send us an explanation of why the nominated home brings them so much joy. It’s inspiring to read and really brings back that magical holiday feeling.”
The rules are as follows:
- All entries must be located within the town of Cicero; residential buildings only.
- No professional decorators are allowed.
- No people and live animals can be part of the display.
- The contest is limited to what can be seen of the display from the street at night.
- Nominations will be accepted until noon Friday, Dec. 12. To nominate a home, send the name, address and phone number of the entrant to [email protected]. Nominations will also be accepted by phone at 699‐5233 during regular business hours. Residents can nominate their neighbors, but they must have permission from the homeowner.
- Judging will take place from Dec. 12 to 14. Displays should be each night from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. for judging, which will take place from the street.
- Winners will be chosen in three categories: Most Original, Best Animation/Special Effects and Judge’s Choice. Entries will be judged on theme or design, creativity and participation. In addition to the official judging, entries will be posted on the town’s Facebook page with voting open to the public. Feedback on social media will be used in addition to the judge’s scores. To view entries, visit Facebook.com/CiceroRecreation and Facebook.com/TownofCiceroNewYork.
Winners will be announced by 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15. Winners will receive a sign to display in their yards, as well as a commemorative award. Photos of their decorations will also be posted on Cicero’s Facebook pages as well as in the Eagle Star-Review.
