Make nominations for best Christmas lights

For the third year, the Sidney Herald is holding a holiday lighting contest with prizes awarded. This year there will be two awards, one voted on by the community and one by the Herald.

A People’s Choice Award for the best residential home will be decided by the community. Best Storefront for the most decorated business storefront will be selected by the Herald.

“Our area has traditionally taken pride in its Christmas lighting displays,” Libby Berndt, publisher of the Sidney Herald, said. “We’re glad to sponsor both events this year. The community is invited to vote on the best decorated home, making this a community decision.”

The goal is for community members to nominate a home that represents the efforts of Clark Griswold, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” on decorating for the holidays.

The public is encouraged to nominate by noon Dec. 11 by commenting on this story and giving the name and address of the nominee, or by calling 433-2403, faxing 433-7802, or e-mailing homespun@sidneyherald.com.

The list of nominated homes will appear in the Dec. 13 and Dec. 16 papers and also under the news updates on the Herald Web site so people can drive by and enjoy the decorated homes and then vote for their favorite display.

People can vote starting Dec. 14 through the Herald Web site by clicking on “Christmas Lighting Contest, vote now!” on the news update. Choose the address of your “Griswold home” and make your selection in the comment area. Residents can also vote by calling the Herald office or e-mailing their choice.

The winner of the People’s Choice Award will receive $100 in Chamber bucks. In addition, the Herald will present $100 in advertising to the best storefront business voted on.

MDU and Lower Yellowstone Rural Electric (REA) are joining in by supplying holiday safety tips throughout the contest to remind residents that safety should always come first.

“We commend the efforts of MDU and REA for promoting this lighting contest and using it as another way to educate the public,” Berndt said.