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Tis the season for twinkle lights and friendly competition. The Hogansville Police Department is bringing the holidays with its first annual Christmas light contest, a joint event with the Grantville Police Department.

Hogansville Police Chief Jeff Sheppard said the contest came about by accident.

“I happened to read on Facebook a citywide Christmas decorating contest was going on and thought that was a good idea,” Sheppard said. “Some of our citizens were like, ‘Hey, why don’t we do that here?’ So I replied to Grantville, ‘Why don’t we make it a challenge?’ and they accepted.”

Sheppard said as a neighbor to Grantville, the contest will bring them together as one. 

“Not only does it bring the community together, but it will bring two neighboring communities together with one focus of family and unity and working together as a community,” Sheppard said.

“We are neighbors with Grantville. We share common roads with them, we work with the Grantville Police Department and their animal control. We collaborate with them already. So, why not beat them in a Christmas competition?”

To participate, homes must be located within Hogansville. Lights and decorations are limited to what can be seen from the street side of the home at night, people and live animals are not allowed as part of the display and entries must be registered.

Households that win first place get $100, second place gets $75, and third place gets $50.

Interested parties must enter by Dec. 10 to take part in the contest.

Judging will take place on Dec. 21 beginning roughly at 5 p.m. to 9 p. m. Winners will be announced on Dec. 22.

Sheppard said the judges will be police officers from the night shift, who will go by each of the entries and pick the top three.

The judges will determine the winners based on four categories: creativity (originality, unique design and creative use of lights and decorations), arrangements (display and placement of decorations), special effects (sound effects, fog, animations, etc.) and overall appearance (color coordination, balance and overall attractiveness).

“It’s bringing neighbors together, and I think it’s a great thing,” Sheppard said.

“It’s just the start and hopefully it’ll get bigger as the years go.”

The first-place winner will go head-to-head with Grantville Police Department’s winner for an additional prize.

Those interested in joining the contest can do so by emailing their name, address, and home number to info@hogansvillepd.com