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The judging date’s been set, the challenge has been issued and the annual “Outdoor Christmas Decorations Contest” is active in Keysville right now. 

So who is putting this together? The decorations contest is sponsored by the Keysville Garden Club, along with the Keysville Ruritan Club and the town itself. The contest is open for all homes, businesses and public buildings in Keysville and within a five-mile radius. You have until Dec. 11 to put your entry together, as judging will take place that night at 5 p.m. Each exhibit will be judged on its own merits. A blue, red, yellow or white (honorable mention) ribbon may be awarded in each class if merited. The Town of Keysville offers a cash reward for winners.

Now there are some rules to follow. All exhibits must contain some fresh plant material. Lighting is required and must be concealed. Entries will be judged on merit, with judges allowed to come up to within three feet. A tri-colored rosette (red, green, and white ribbons) may be awarded to the best of the blue ribbons in each class if merited.

The entry categories for homes are:

1. House Overall
2. Door
3. Window

The categories for businesses are:

Class 1. Door or Window

Class 2. Building Overall

Going over business rules

Businesses have to follow at least one different rule in regards to the contest. Lighting must be used on the exhibit. Flood or spotlights may be used but not required. Otherwise, just like the rest, entries will be judged on merit, with a tri-color rosette (red, green, & white ribbons) awarded to the best of the blue ribbons in each class

How to enter Christmas contest

To enter the home contest, call Gail George at 434-414-8308. AII entries must be in by Dec. 11 before noon. To enter the business contest, call the Keysville Town Office (Diane Haley) at 434-736-9551. All entries must be in by Dec. 11 before noon. Those entering homes and business are reminded to have all lighting needed for their exhibit turned on by 5 p.m. on the night of the judging and left on until the judges have had sufficient time to judge all homes and business and award the tri-colored ribbons.