Holiday lights are appearing early this year, although traditionalists may still be waiting until after Thanksgiving to hit the switch.

With the weather forecast calling for highs near 40 for Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, and in the mid-30s to lower-40s Friday and Saturday, there will be opportunities to put up lights and holiday decor with the benefit of mild temperatures. And for Baxter residents the added bonus is a break on the energy bill in January if they are among the top three in the city’s holiday lighting contest.

Baxter City Council member Connie Lyscio brought the idea before a receptive council earlier this month.

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“I’ve gotten a lot of feedback just from people I run into. The feedback has been nothing but positive, I just hope we get a lot of entries,” Lyscio said by phone Tuesday. “We just all need some brightness right now.”

Lyscio said she can’t think of a more fun way to add that brightness than a family friendly activity like decorating for the holidays.

“Nothing is too small and nothing is too big,” she said of entries. “Let’s just have some fun.”

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, originality — 20 points.

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

Entries are due by Dec. 10.

Judging will take place Dec. 16-17 with the winner announced Dec. 18. Employees and elected officials in the city of Baxter are not eligible.

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

Those interested in entering the contest, should mail 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.

Brighten Baxter

Name: _______________________________________________

Baxter address: ________________________________________

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Contact information: (phone number/email address)

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How to enter: Mail entry to the Brainerd Dispatch, P.O. Box 974, Brainerd, MN 56401, email newstips@brainerddispatch.com , or drop the entry information — name, address and contact information with Baxter Lighting Contest noted — in the Dispatch drop box, which is accessed by the alleyway next to the building at 506 James St. Brainerd.