LIGHTING CONTEST DEADLINE IS DEC. 14

The number of homeowners in Minneota, Ghent and Taunton registering for the Christmas Lighting Contest continues to rise.
We now have participants in all three communities. To date, 20 people will be competing with a few more expected to register.
The deadline for registering for the contest is noon on Monday, Dec. 14.
Because of the tremendous support and outpouring of donations from businesses in Minneota, Taunton, Ghent and Marshall, we have increased the prize amounts. First place will now be over $500 worth of prizes, second place will be over $250 worth of prizes, and third place is over $100 worth of prizes. There is also a possibility that we may also include a fourth and fifth place prize.
One Minneota businessman mentioned that he went for a ride around town looking at Christmas lights and said: "I can't remember that many homes with lights. You may have started a new trend."
Another woman who is registered for the contest said: "There are so many houses lit already this year. It's really neat to see all the lights around town."
The additional lights in town could be because of the contest, the unseasonably warm weather we've been experiencing this December, and also because with so many things shut down due to the pandemic and this gives them something to do.
We have secured six judges who will be traveling around on Dec. 19 and 20 from 5-9 p.m. Those registering for the lighting contest are urged to keep your lights on during those times.
Businesses so far who have donated a prize or prizes include:
Minneota -- The Mascot, Gislason's Ace Hardware/The Arched Door, Brad's Market, AgPlus, Prairie Winds Wellness, Universal Forest Products, Countryside Auto, Crusty Pie Ladies, Hometown Kitchen and Bath, City Hall Bar & Grill, Kevin Anundson State Farm Insurance, Minneota Manor, Doyle Insurance, Minneota Building Materials, and Minneota Veterinary Clinic in Minneota ... Taunton -- Tri-County Veterinary Clinic and State Bank of Taunton ... Ghent -- KB's Bar & Grill ... Marshall -- The Hitching Post, Borch's Sporting Goods, Larson Furniture and Walnut Grove Mercantile.
Even though many small businesses are struggling during the pandemic, the aforementioned stepped forward and donated something toward this event. Now it's our turn to pay them back by patronizing their stores. It takes a village to maintain a village.
If any other businesses would like to donate or if anyone would like to register for the lighting contest, please email scott@thomabooks.com or call Scott at 320-894-6007.