Everyone better get started untangling those lights.
It’s not quite Thanksgiving yet, but Camp Verde is already preparing for the Christmas spirit.
For the first time in years, the Camp Verde Parks and Recreation Department is holding a residential lighting contest to see who can put on the best display of nighttime holiday cheer.
“We used to do this regularly probably around 10 years ago or so, but not for the past few years,” said Lynda Moore, the town’s recreation supervisor. “We’re bringing it back.”
Residents looking to participate can register with the recreation department by Wednesday, Dec. 14. The judging will take place from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16.
Moore said judges from the community will drive around looking at the contest entries to determine which one wins the prize.
A child might be one of the judges as well, Moore said, since children often have a different perspective on things.
There is a prize besides just bragging rights.
The first place winner will take home a $100 gift card from Bashas’, followed by $65 and $35 cards for second and third place.
Entry forms are available from the parks and recreation office, 395 S. Main St. Call 567-0535, ext. 136, for more information.
Saturday, Dec. 10, is another big day for the Christmas spirit in Camp Verde.
It starts out with the annual craft bazaar scheduled to run from noon to 8 p.m. in the Camp Verde Community Center Gym off of Hollamon Street.
Of course, that evening at 6 p.m. is the town’s annual Parade of Lights down Main Street.
Christmas aside, the town is celebrating a special milestone on the same day from 5 to 6 p.m. at the downtown gazebo off Main Street.
Camp Verde will be marking 25 years since it first incorporated back in December 1986.
Moore said anyone who stops by can have free cupcakes and hot chocolate and listen to the remarks of a few town officials from the present and past.
Mayor Bob Burnside said he’ll say a few words, but don’t expect a lengthy oration.
“I was going to re-enforce that it’s been all of our mayors, current and former, all of the council members, our staff and all of the residents that make this town the beauty that it is,” Burnside said.
Burnside said that many things have changed over the past 25 years, and he wants to give credit where credit is due.
“I want to recognize everybody, not just one person, not just one mayor, but everyone,” Burnside said. “We may not always agree all the time, but we love our town and we’re going to keep our town.”
