‘Lights’ get this party started

Untangle those lights and get out the extension cords. It's time for the Mascot's third annual "Battle of the Bulbs" Christmas lighting contest.
The contest will again include any residence within a 10-mile radius of Minneota, including the towns of Ghent and Taunton.
There will have 10 judges this year that will travel around to each of the registered homes beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16 and 17. Each judge will carry a set of instructions on what to look for when judging and will rank that residence's display from 1-10. The home with the highest total number from the 10 judges will be the winner.
Those interested should register for the contest by Monday, Dec. 12. See the advertisement in this addition of the Mascot for details and a registration form.
This is one of the biggest lighting contests in southwestern Minnesota, with prizes amounting to over $1,000. First place will again receive over $500 worth of prizes. The second-place winner will receive over $250 worth of prizes, and third will be awarded over $100 worth of prizes.
There were 15 homes entered in the lighting contest last year, with six of those winning a prize. We would like to see the number of entrants increase in size, so we are adding additional prizes in order for more people to have a chance to win.
This year, we will give out additional random prize drawings to those who have registered for the lighting contest that will include turkeys or hams. We want to light up as much of the communities in the area as possible so families can enjoy driving around and viewing the various homes. Even if you don't feel you have the time or the lights to compete with some of those who are entered, simply registering for the contest and having your home decorated modestly can still earn you a prize.
Prizes have been donated by area businesses in Minneota, Ghent, Taunton and Marshall. They include gift cards, holiday decor, food, toys, pet supplies, electronics, tools, bakeware and more.
Last year's winner was Matt DeVos and Steph Hennen of Minneota. Mark Sanow of rural Minneota earned second place, Austin & Shannon Dritz (the 2020 winner) of rural Taunton came in third, Peanuts & Ali Kloos of Minneota were fourth, and Lynn & Barb Okrina of Minneota were fifth. Kaitlyn Kopitski of Minneota was the random drawing winner of a turkey.
We will list all the entrants and their addresses in a future edition of the Mascot for those wishing to view the lights.