COOKEVILLE — Cookeville’s fifth annual self-guided Merry and Bright Christmas Tour of Lights is the biggest ever with 28 festive homes to see during the holiday season.
The tour — which features participants in this year’s Merry and Bright Holiday Home Challenge presented by Cookeville Leisure Services and Upper Cumberland Association of Realtors — officially begins Dec. 2, when the contest judging period opens.
A free map is available at www.cookeville-tn.gov/ls. Hard copies, along with a Christmas scavenger hunt that may be completed along with the tour, can be picked up at the Cookeville Municipal Building, 45 E. Broad
St. Map followers are also encouraged to post a photo of their group while on the tour to their Instagram Story and tag @cookevilleleisureservices to be included in weekly prize drawings Dec. 6, 13 and 20.
“Participants in our exterior decorating contest have made possible a joyful activity through their creativity,” Sally Herren, Leisure Services recreation programmer, said. “We encourage families to take a drive through their
hometown and admire these festive homes.”
Tour participants are encouraged use a GPS as they follow the map, which was designed by GIS Systems Manager David Bailey of the Cookeville Planning Department. Each destination is within an approximate 10-mile radius of the Cookeville Courthouse Square.
“We have grown larger each year, and it appears all of our residents are thoroughly enjoying the beautiful displays,” Carol Glover of UCAR said. “We encourage you to set aside an evening to view all the entries and make it one of your holiday traditions. You will not be disappointed.”
Judging for the homeowners who entered the Merry and Bright Holiday Home Challenge will take place Dec. 2-5, and winners will be announced Dec. 6. Categories are Classic Christmas, Merry and Bright, Holly Jolly and Griswold Award. The best newcomer to the contest will also receive an award.
A People’s Choice prize will be awarded in a social media contest consisting of photos of all entries to be posted on the Cookeville Leisure Services Department Facebook page starting Dec. 6. The photo with the most “likes” by Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. wins.
For more information, call Cookeville Leisure Services at 931-520-4386.
