Fisher County residents will have a new reason to slow down and look around next week as the Fisher County Fair and Rodeo Association sponsors a countywide Christmas Light Contest heads into its final days for entries, building toward an evening of judging and a community “trail of lights” tour.
The contest is open to homes and businesses across Fisher County, with a deadline to enter set for December 22. Judging will take place December 23, between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. A trail-of-lights map will be posted on Facebook ahead of time so residents can follow along, drive the route, and take in the displays.
“All updates are on the Fisher County Fair and Rodeo Facebook page,” said event organizer Jackie Terry.
Terry said the idea was built around something simple—an event that feels like the holidays and gives families a reason to be together. For those out viewing the lights the evening of judging, the Rotan Fire Department will be handing out hot dogs, cotton candy, and drinks to anyone making the rounds.
“We just wanted to do something positive and fun for the community during the holidays, something families could enjoy together and that would give folks a reason to get out, drive around, and soak in a little Christmas spirit.”
She added how the effort has also brought out a supportive side of the business community, with sponsors and partners stepping in quickly once the idea began circulating.
“Once businesses heard what the association was trying to do they stepped up, asking how they could support and were happy to help.”
The event is sponsored by IREN and Ace Hardware, with cash prizes and gift cards awarded across multiple categories. First place will receive $500 cash, with second and third place each receiving $250 cash. Two additional awards will be given: Most Lights, a $100 Ace Hardware gift card, and Most Festive, also a $100 Ace Hardware gift card.
Terry said the contest has already gained traction, with roughly 20 addresses signed up so far and more expected before the deadline.
She said she hopes the contest becomes more than a one-time project. If participation and community interest hold, she said organizers would like to expand the “trail” concept next year by adding stops along the route— small moments for kids and families that turn a drive into an evening out.
“This year will be a trial run if all goes well, next year the association would like to have a few different stops throughout the tour of Lights where Kids could see Santa or grab hot chocolate, etc.”
With entries still coming in, Terry said the heart of the event is less about winning and more about giving the county something shared to look forward to—an easy reason to decorate, participate, and make a short winter drive feel like a community tradition in the making.
“There’s so much going on this time of year, and we felt like a light contest was an easy way to bring people together, support local businesses, and create something everyone could be part of.