A Traer home well-lit during last year’s Lions Club Christmas lighting contest. PHOTO COURTESY OF TRAER LIONS CLUB

The Traer Lions Club is sponsoring its annual home Christmas lighting contest once again. All residents in the city of Traer who have displays of Christmas lights or lawn decorations will automatically be entered in the judging contest.

In order to qualify, the rules state that lights and decorations must be lit on the nights of the judging, Wednesday, December 7, and Thursday, December 8 from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

The first place winner in the home lighting contest will be awarded $100, with $50 given to the second place home display. The first place winner from the previous year is not eligible to win.

Last year’s first place winner was the home of Ernie and Julie Cufr.

Judging will be done on a point system, from 1-10, in three different categories: beauty, lighting, and portrayal of Christmas spirit. Two different sets of judges will be used.

Traer’s Christmas Home Lighting Contest began in 1960, and was held every year thereafter for many years, except for 1973, when it was not held due to the energy shortage. After a sabbatical of a few years, the tradition was reinstated in 2018. 

The Traer’s Lions Club is excited to be sponsoring this festive event once again and encourages the community to embrace and enjoy the lighting contest.