Chamber director Shellie Poetter, above, is spearheading Blue Earth’s Outdoor Christmas Light Contest. It will be accepting entries Nov. 29-Dec. 13. The contest encourages Blue Earth to pull out its brightest decorations.

In that well-known holiday tune, Andy Williams famously touts this as ‘The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.’

In accordance, Blue Earth Chamber of Commerce director Shellie Poetter reasons the community should strive to look merry and bright this season.

The Chamber has recently announced its second annual Outdoor Christmas Light Contest, which will be open for entries from Nov. 29 through Dec. 13.

“It’s a holiday lighting contest,” Poetter explains. “You can get your Christmas lights out, get your holiday cheer on, and get into the spirit of the season.” 

Given the plethora of seasonal decorating styles out there, the Chamber has organized the competition into several categories this year.

One category is titled ‘Griswold,’ after the beloved holiday film “Christmas Vacation.”

“It should be lights you can see from space; all the lights you can fit in your yard,” Poetter explains. “Just go for it.” 

The ‘Classic Christmas’ category is also available for more traditional holiday decorators.

“It can be that down-home, countryside Christmas style,” Poetter says.

The third category, ‘Misfit Toy,’ is meant to elicit some whimsy from the community via the use of toys and decorative holiday inflatables.

“Some people just love those inflatables,” Poetter laughs. “We want to have some fun scenes.”

A ‘People’s Choice’ category has been added this year to give the community a voice in the competition.

“We will put all of the photos on Facebook,” Poetter shares, indicating where community members may look to participate in the voting.

“We are also going to have a map of places in town that are participating,” Poetter adds, clarifing how community members without a Facebook account may still be a part of the voting. “People can email me or call the Chamber with their vote.” 

A final category, ‘North Pole,’ aims to involve Blue Earth’s youngest residents by accepting window display entries.

“Kids really needed a category too,” Poetter says. “They can decorate a main window in their house, so judges can see it easily.” 

Participants may get even more out of the competition than a boost of holiday spirit. The Chamber is offering several prizes to residents who impress the most.

A $150 prize will be awarded to the community member who wins in each category, coming to a total of four prizes available for participating adults.

Kids also have an opportunity to win big. The ‘North Pole’ children’s category is offering three $50 prizes for the best window displays in town.

The prize money was generously contributed by an anonymous family in town both this year and during the contest’s inaugural run in 2020.

“I was thinking about doing a lighting contest last year,” Poetter remembers. “It was a tough year, and I thought it would bring joy.” 

She continues, “A week later, a family came to me and said, ‘We want to have a Christmas lighting contest,’ and gave the Chamber the money for the prizes.” 

Because the prize money has been donated, the Chamber is able to offer free registration for any Blue Earth residents who wish to participate.

Those who would like to register may do so online at www.blueearthchamber. com.

Those interested may also email Poetter at shellie@blueearthchamber.com

Community members planning to enter should do so before Dec. 13, as the contest will be judged the week after, between Dec. 13 and Dec. 17.

Poetter explains Blue Earth’s best lighting displays will be chosen by Chamber board members.

“During that week, you should make sure you have your lights on at dusk,” Poetter advises.

The board members, who will each be assigned their own category to judge, will be driving around town that week to assess each entry.

The lucky winners will be announced on Dec. 20.

Poetter shares she is most excited to see the creativity the ‘North Pole’ children’s category inspires.

“I’m excited for the kids,” Poetter says. “Christmas is about kids anyway.” 

Also, she is generally looking forward to the promise of a boost of holiday cheer in the community.

“The more people participate, the more fun it is,” Poetter reasons. “When you see other people put lights up, it puts you in the holiday mood.” 

Poetter adds she sees community events such as this one as an opportunity to connect.

“We get so busy with our lives, we forget we’re all in this together,” Poetter says. “Last year was a tough year for a lot of people. It’s a reminder that we weren’t meant to be solitary.” 

“Any way that we can connect, it just brings joy,” Poetter concludes.