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UNION — Friday is the last day to register for the Union County Recreation Department’s annual Christmas Lighting Contest.

Program Director Jessica Gallman said the contest winners will be announced on Dec. 19, and a list of winners will be published in The Union Daily Times.

The contest — which is free to enter and open to the entire county — includes two categories, Elegant and Creative.

Decorations submitted in the Elegant category should include items such as white lights, wreaths, ribbons, flood lights. Inflatable decorations are not allowed in the Elegant category.

Creative category decorations should include items such as colored lights, inflatables, music.

Monetary prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in each category — $100 for first place, $75 for second place and $50 for third place.

Gallman is a former judge of the contest, and she said her favorite part is the Elegant category.

“I like the white lights, ribbons and wreaths — the houses that look like they come out of a magazine,” Gallman said. “I like the Creative category, too. I enjoy seeing the looks on the kids’ faces when they see the colorful displays.”

As a tip to those interested in entering, Gallman said, “the brighter, the better.” She said judges also look for neatness and the way everything in the display flows together.

There are currently more than 20 entrants for the contest, and Gallman said she hopes people will encourage their friends and neighbors with Christmas lights to enter the free contest.

After Friday’s deadline has passed, the recreation department will provide a list of entrants’ addresses to Christmas light enthusiasts.

“If a family wants to pick up a list and ride around and look at lights, this will tell them where to go in Union,” Gallman said.

The list will also be available in The Union Daily Times.

For more information about the contest, call 864-429-1670 or visit the Union County Recreation Department website at www.unionscrec.com.

Staff Writer Derik Vanderford can be reached at 864-427-1234, ext. 29, or by email at dvanderford@heartlandpublications.com.