The Inter-Mountain photo by Edgar Kelley One of the many houses competing in the Elkins-Randolph County Christmas Lights Display Contest shines holiday light on Central Street in Elkins.

The Inter-Mountain photo by Edgar Kelley
One of the many houses competing in the Elkins-Randolph County Christmas Lights Display Contest shines holiday light on Central Street in Elkins.

ELKINS — The first-ever Christmas Lights Display Contest in Randolph County is off to a glowing start as residents and businesses compete for cash prizes that will be awarded by the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce.

A Google Pin Map has been created for residents and visitors to the area who want to view he festive lights after the sun goes down. The map can be found by going to the chamber’s website at www.ercc.com.

The contest will have two categories, for businesses and residents. Cash prizes will be awarded in both categories, with first place winners collecting $2,000, second place $1,000, and third place $500.

Criteria for awards include use of light and color, creativity, originality, effort, and overall impression. The displays will be judged by three volunteers and awards will also be handed out for the “People’s Choice” and “Kids’ Favorite.” Residents can vote for those two awards at the aforementioned website.

Awards will be announced on Dec. 18 and the Chamber of Commerce will post an awards video on its Facebook page that evening. Businesses and residents are encouraged to keep their lights and decorations up through Dec. 28 so that visitors from out of town may enjoy the displays.

The City of Elkins and the Randolph County Commission are sponsoring the competition.

Starting on Monday, Elkins Main Street is coordinating a tour of the light displays that will feature Santa and Mrs. Claus on some of the evenings. Watch the Elkins Main Street and Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook pages for Santa Tracker details.

For more information contact Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lisa Wood at 304-636-2717.