DOVER- The 2009 holiday season has arrived and, as Andy Williams once sang, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” People are shopping for gifts, putting up Christmas trees, lighting menorahs, and celebrating the holiday spirit. Decorating homes and businesses is another popular ritual during the holidays. To welcome the holiday season, the town of Dover is encouraging residents and businesses to decorate their homes and buildings, show their creativity, and light up the town.

The Dover Economic Development Committee is sponsoring the second annual Bright Lights of Dover contest. The event is open to all businesses and residences in Dover. The Bright Lights of Dover grew out of the DEDC’s beautification committee. The beautification committee was set up to enhance the character of Dover, to improve the general appearance of its roads and properties, and encourage private property owners to take part in beautification efforts.

Debi Bradshaw, formerly of the DEDC beautification committee, said they were looking for ways to liven up Dover during the early winter months. The Bright Lights of Dover was just what the town needed. “We just wanted to light up Dover. It’s a dreary time of the year,” said Bradshaw.

DEDC beautification subcommittee chair Julie Wilson said the event’s first year was a success. Despite last year’s ice storm, which postponed the event a couple of weeks, several homes and businesses still participated. Wilson said the beautification committee received positive feedback from the town and they were encouraged to do it again. “It was very successful and a lot of people liked it,” said Wilson. “There were a few e-mails with suggestions on possible changes. So we took those suggestions and (tried to think of ways) to make it more interesting so more people could participate. We thought that having three prizes this year would be more beneficial.”

Last year’s contest awarded two $1,000 prizes for best commercial and residence categories. This year, each category will receive $500 for first place, $300 for second place, $200 for third place, and honorable mention for fourth place.

Commercial properties will be judged on Friday, December 11, and residential properties on Saturday, December 12. Criteria for judging will be based on uniqueness, creativity, overall presentation, placement, and organization. Winners will be notified on Monday, December 14 and will appear in the December 17 edition of The Deerfield Valley News. Dover School principal Bill Anton, Mount Snow general manager Kelly Pawlak, and Dover resident Sue Rauh are this year’s judges.

Wilson expects up to 30 commercial and residential properties to be participating in this year’s contest. Organizers would like to see more. All entries must be submitted by Wednesday, December 9, at the Dover town office or by mail to Bright Lights of Dover, PO Box 1000, West Dover, VT 05356. “Our goal is to create community spirit and participation in the residential and commercial parts of Dover. We just encourage everyone to participate and get into the community feeling of it all. We hope it grows every year,” said Wilson.

For more information contact Wilson at (802) 348-7284.