Nov 22, 2017 2 min read

Monongahela Area Revitalization Corp.’s first Christmas House Decorating Contest, sponsored by Community Bank, is open to residents in Monongahela, New Eagle and Carroll Township with a 15063 ZIP code.

Entry forms are available in many Monongahela businesses. The contest is free but participants must register. Homeowners must register or be “nominated” by an admirer in order to be judged. Judging will be based on curb appeal and will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. the week of Dec. 11. Participants should ensure that all lights, animations and decorations are in place and activated for the judging period. Winning homeowners will be awarded a congratulatory sign in their front yard on Dec. 18 and will receive a photo of their home’s display.

The contest is for exterior decorations only, including decorations in windows that are visible from the exterior, and will include several categories: “O Holy Night,” the best display with a religious theme; “Norman Rockwell,” a classical, nostalgic, old-fashioned Christmas; “Clark Griswold,” a display with excessive use of outdoor lighting and decorations, “Charlie Brown,” the best decorations on a doghouse, tool shed, barn, detached garage or anything but the house; “Martha Stewart Would Be Proud,” elegant, neat and magazine-worthy; and “Best Decorated Block,” the street or block in a neighborhood that has the best lights and decorations. Businesses are encouraged to participate in the “Best Store Front” category.

Entry forms are available at the following locations: Community Bank, Cox Market, Sparkles by Shell, Devore Hardware, Little City Coffee and Hills Restaurant. Entry forms may also be requested via email at marc15063@gmail.com. To be eligible, participants must submit a completed entry by 5 p.m. Dec. 8.