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NILES — Households with 49120 zip codes are gearing up to flex their creative muscles for what has become a new Niles holiday tradition.

Registration is open for the third annual Greater Niles Sights and Lights Decorating Contest, much to the joy of the Niles community.

Organized by Mayor Nick Shelton, Sheila Koebel and Ambrosia Neldon, the Sights and Lights Decorating Contest is looking for unique, fun, and creative decoration entries to make Niles neighborhoods extra holly and jolly this year.

An assortment of prizes will be distributed to the winners of each category. Participants will be able to register to enter the contest online now through Friday, Dec. 8. Voting will take place Monday, Dec. 11 through Wednesday, Dec. 20.  

Winners will be announced Friday, December 22 on Mayor Shelton’s Facebook Page, with prizes awarded to the top 10 vote earners. 

Decorations may include (but are not limited to):

• Window displays (inside or outside)
• Front porch displays
• Entrance ways (including apartments)
• Fireplace settings
• Yard displays

Organizers reserve the right to reject any submission. If an entry is questionable or falls into a gray area concerning the rules, organizers advise choosing a different option for entry.

Anyone can vote, but voting is limited to one vote per person for the duration of the contest. We ask that voters choose their favorite entries based on the following criteria: 

• Creativity
• Adherence to topic
• Use of materials or items
• Attention to detail
• Cleverness

Those wishing to sponsor a prize package can contact Shelton at xmas@mayornickshelton.com with your prize. Prizes will be available for pick up at City Hall and the instructions will be sent to the winners.

Current sponsor/prize list:

* Shelton’s Farm Market – $50 Gift Card

* Underground Laugh Lounge – $300

* The Study – $200

* Culver’s Niles – Butterburgers for a year

* Erin Matthew’s Realtor – Gift Basket

* Bee Crafty – $20 Gift Card

* Cathie Waggoner, Realtor – Prize Basket

* Best Syrups – $60 Gift Basket

* Mary Cooper, Welcome Home Michiana Real Estate – $150 Gift Basket

* Paxton Schaller – $100 Gift Card

* KFC Niles – $100 Gift Card

* Brentwood Niles – $100 Visa Gift Card

* Cardinal Candle Company – $50 Gift Basket

* AirLux – $650 Whole Home Air Purifier Installation

* Tans Down Under – $100 Gift Basket

* Spotless Housekeeping LLC – $200 Gift Certificate for Cleaning Services

* KelseyLeigh Designs – Gift Bag

* WJ Home Remodeling – $25 Visa Gift Card

* Ziegler’s Pool Water – $50 Visa Gift Card

* Reese Walter Creations – $50 Gift Basket