Richfield Recreation Launches Holiday Lights Decorating Contest

Richfield Recreation along with Richfield Patch and The Home Depot are happy to announce the beginning of the 2013 Richfield Holiday Lights Decorating Contest.

The contest submission period will run from Nov. 15 through Dec. 13. Judging will take place Dec. 16-17, and the winner will be announced on Patch Dec. 18.

There will be five categories with one winner being chosen from each. Winners will receive gift cards from Home Depot in the mail and yard signs to brag-up their big wins will be delivered to their homes.

How to enter

The following are all the rules and instructions for the contest:

1. Participation is open to all residents of Richfield. Businesses are not allowed to participate.
2. Entry is free, no cost or fees apply
3. Participating homes must be registered no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, 2013.
4. Participating homes must submit a contact name, address, phone number and email address to participate.
5. Contest is for exterior decorations only, including decorations in windows that are visible from the exterior. Judging will be done from outside the residence only.
6. Judging will be based on “curb appeal” as viewed from the street only.  Judges will not enter the property to view back or side yards.
7. People or live animals are not allowed as part of the display.
8. Participants agree to have one or more photos of their decorated residence posted on the Richfield Patch website and/or social media. Participants agree that their name and address may accompany the photo of their decorated residence. Participant agrees there will be no compensation of any kind for said posting.
9. Participating homes will be judged by a panel of judges from Richfield Recreation and Richfield Patch.
10. Judging will be done from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 16, 2013. Depending on the number of entries, judging may continue from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013. Participants should ensure that all lights, animations and decorations are in place and activated for the judging periods on both nights.
11. Prizes will be awarded in five categories: Most Traditional, Best Animation, Most Unique, Best Homemade Holiday Display and “The Clark Griswold Award” (most lights).
12. Judges will determine the winners in each category; participating homes do not choose a category to compete in.
13. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013 on the Richfield Patch website richfield.patch.com.
14. Winners will receive their gift cards in the mail and yard signs will be delivered directly to the home by the judges.
15. Be creative, be festive, and have fun!