Brighten Baxter entries due by Friday

BAXTER — Back for a second year, the Brighten Baxter holiday lighting contest is coming to a close and all entries are due by Friday, Dec. 10.

Last year , residents who took part in the contest went all out with animated displays, inflatables and lights galore. The 14 entrants in the contest gave the judges a difficult task to pick the finalists.

After taking second place in last year’s contest, Nancy Tiegs said she loves decorating the house around Halloween and Christmas.

“I've always enjoyed doing lights at Christmastime and I like to watch people,” Tiegs said. “They smile and they ask questions, it's just fun. I was a teacher for 35 years, so I enjoy watching how people react to things.”

The contest is open to all Baxter residents, including those who live in apartments and condos as long as they abide by the rules and regulations of their living association. Homes in the contest may be photographed or have their holiday display included in a Dispatch video.

First prize is a $100 credit from Crow Wing Power or Brainerd Public Utilities, second prize is a $75 credit and third prize is a $50 credit — all on the January residential energy bill.

Contest entries will be judged by an anonymous committee on a point system as they view the entry via curbside. Categories for judging are: first impression, 25 points; design, 20 points; and originality, 20 points.

Entries can be mailed, dropped off or emailed to the Brainerd Dispatch.

Those interested in entering the contest should send their information to the Brainerd Dispatch, P.O. Box 974, Brainerd, MN 56401, email newstips@brainerddispatch.com , or drop their information — name, address and contact information with Baxter Lighting Contest noted — in the Dispatch drop box, which is accessed in the alleyway on the west side of the building at 506 James St. in west Brainerd.

Name: _______________________________________________

Baxter address: ________________________________________

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Contact information: (phone number/email address)

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TIM SPEIER, staff writer, can be reached on Twitter @timmy2thyme , call 218-855-5859 or email tim.speier@brainerddispatch.com .

1/5: Christmas decorations at 5132 Camden Road Thursday, Dec. 18, make up one of the displays in the holiday lighting contest in Baxter. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

2/5: Contest entries are due by Dec. 10 for the Baxter holiday lighting contest. Photo illustration by Metro Newspaper Service.

3/5: Lights on 14803 Wildflower Drive in Baxter. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

4/5: Illuminated inflatables, dangling icicle lights and projection lights are all part of the Maplewood Drive display. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

5/5: Baxter residents may participate in a city lighting contest aimed at providing a family friendly event for people to participate in and enjoy during a difficult winter where the coronavirus pandemic is limiting entertainment and activities. Photo illustration by Metro Newspaper Service.