29 entered in holiday lighting contest
The Minneota/Ghent/Taunton Christmas Lighting Contest has become a much-more popular event than anyone imagined.
"I've never seen so many lights in this little town," said one homeowner who recently registered. "It is so great."
A total of 29 participants in the three communities have registered for the free contest hosted by the Mascot.
Also, 23 local businesses have sponsored the holiday contest by donating a prize.
Registration deadline ended at noon on Monday, Dec. 14.
Judges will travel to the participating homes on Saturday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 20 between 5-9 p.m.
Participants will be judged on a 1-10 point system from our six judges. Winners will be notified by telephone and their names will be published in next week's Mascot.
The Christmas Lighting Contest will offer nearly $1,000 worth of prizes. The first-place winner will receive over $500 in gifts, while second place gets over $250 in gifts, and third place receives over $100 in gifts.
Prizes will be delivered at the winner's convenience after they are notified.Local sponsors from Minneota, Taunton, Ghent and Marshall generously donated a myriad of gifts, including a tool set, holiday and home decor, gift cards, food, apparel, appliances, bakeware, coaster wagon, framed print, balance chair, wooden charging station, and much more.
An online search of other lighting contests in the state reveal many have fewer participants, even in some of the bigger communities.
For those wishing to look at the holiday lights involved in the local contest, the addresses are listed below. It is best to Google the addresses and map out a route before making the trip:
MINNEOTA
201 N. Washington St.
405 N. Jefferson St.
406 N Jefferson St.
411 N. Jefferson St.
310 N. Madison St.
400 N. Madison St.
613 N. Madison St.
409 N Monroe St
400 E. Lyon St.
605 E. Lyon St.
106 S Wilson St
109 Golf Course Road
3824 County Road 3
2092 320th St. N.
120 Century Dr.
909 9th St. Circle
206 West 1st St.
208 E. 3rd St.
314 W. 3rd St.
403 E. 4th St.
502 E. 5th St
504 E 5th St
111 West 5th St.
TAUNTON
3621 County Highway 8
3494 County Hwy 7
500 Garfield St.
201 West Adams
101 E. 3rd St.
GHENT
212 S. Collins