Christmas home, business decorating contest underway

Wrangell’s yearly Christmas home and business decorating contest is on.

The chamber of commerce with Wrangell Real Estate is offering $1,300 in prize money. The same cash prizes will be awarded for both categories.

First place nets $300, second place gets $200, third place wins $100 and honorable mention receives $50.

Judging will take place Dec. 21.

Contact the Wrangell chamber if you’d like to participate. You can reach out on Facebook or Instagram by searching username “wrangellchamber,” call 907-874-3901, or email info@wrangellchamber.com.

The annual event is sponsored by Wrangell Real Estate and the Wrangell Chamber of Commerce.

It’s a way to brighten things up in cold, dark times, give residents something to look forward to in the heart of winter and bring the community out from their hidey holes, said Brittani Robbins, executive director at the Wrangell Chamber of Commerce. “I very vividly remember my dad piling us into the car to look at the lights as a child.”

Kathleen “Toot” Harding, owner of Wrangell Real Estate, said she can’t remember when the contest got started, but has memories since she was a kid.

“I remember being a teenager, and there being a light contest — and I'm 53 years old,” Harding said. She revived the contest through her real estate company.

“I figured that would be a way to brighten up homes, brighten up the dark month,” she said. “I started donating money to get the judging and contest back.”