IT’S that time of year again, and Somerset Regional Council is getting into the Christmas spirit for its annual lights competition with $3,500 in prize money to be won.

Entries for the 2024 Somerset Christmas Lights Competition are now open and close 4pm Friday, 22 November.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt encouraged all residents, community groups, and businesses planning to decorate their homes, storefronts, and spaces to participate in the competition.

“We’re excited to bring our community together to make Somerset shine brightly this Christmas,” Mayor Wendt said.

“Every year, the creativity and holiday spirit on display is amazing, and I’m sure our judges will have a challenging time selecting the winners.”

The competition is open to residents, community groups and businesses with the following competition categories, including encouragement awards: Best Business/Community Group Shopfront Display, Best Business/Community Group Shopfront and additional space, Best Urban Display, Best Rural Display, and Best Street.

There are also five additional categories: Best Solar Powered Display, Best First Time Entrant, Best Small Display, Best Medium Display, and Best Large Display.

Judging will be held between Monday, 25 November and Wednesday, 4 December, weather permitting.

“The Christmas lights trail will be open from Monday, 25 November to Boxing Day on Thursday, 26 December, and we invite all residents to take this time and explore Somerset’s best and brightest displays,” Cr Wendt said.

The 2024 Somerset Christmas Lights Competition is sponsored by Brown Contractors, Somerset Health and Fitness, Kilcoy Pastoral Company, A & M Civil Contracting, Lockyer Hire, Lowood and Fernvale Community Bank, and King and Company.

Entry forms are available at Council’s Visitor Information Centres and on Council’s website: somerset.qld.gov.au

Katrina Hughess display in Fernvale won Best First Time Entrant in 2023.