Medina businesses, residents urged to decorate in ‘Village of Lights’ contest

Provided photos: The Wagner home at the corner of Gwinn Street and West Oak Orchard won last year’s village lighting contest in the residential category.

MEDINA – Medina residents and businesses are encouraged to decorate their premises and enter the Village of Lights contest, held in conjunction with Medina’s Olde Tyme Christmas celebration Nov. 26.

Contest chair Cindy Robinson said she is already receiving applications and is hoping for many more.

The contest was started in 2020 during the pandemic to give families something to do which would be safe and entertaining.

“Families could get in the privacy of their own car and drive around the village looking at the decorations,” Robinson said.

The contest was a big success, with 15 to 20 homes entering, and it continues to grow each year, she said.

Entries must be received by Nov. 28 and applications are available at the English Rose Tea Shoppe, 527 Main St., or on the Christmas in Medina website. Entrants must live within the Medina village limits, and decorations must be completed by Dec. 5. There is no entry fee.

Only decorations on the front face and lawn of the house will be judged. Judges will view and judge from the curb. Lights and animated displays must be turned on during the judging periods. Each participating home will have a yard sign with their entry number displayed on it.

Modern Mercantile on East Center won a prize in the commercial category last year in Medina’s Village of Lights contest. The contest is again taking place and business and home owners are urged to decorate their buildings and enter.

Businesses may decorate any and all parts of their façade. Categories are Christmas Spirit (Traditional), Christmas Spirit (Innovative), Most Whimsical, Best Use of Lights, Probably Visible from Space and Block Party.

Four or more adjacent homes on one side or across the street from each other may enter as a Block Party. Winners of each of these categories will receive $50. A runner-up prize will also be awarded to the above residential categories.

Prizes of $50 each will also be awarded for the Best Business (Christmas Spirit) and Best Business (Community Spirit). The Grand Champion will receive $200.

Judging will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 9, 10 and 11.

Winners will be announced and notified on Dec. 12. Photos of the winners will be posted on Medina Parade of Lights Facebook page, Christmas in Medina website and the Orleans Hub.