Residents are encouraged to "light up" the holidays by participating in the annual Residential Holiday Lighting Contest.

The event is sponsored by Greeneville Light & Power System and Keep Greene Beautiful.

Judging will take place Tuesday through Thursday, Dec. 15-17, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Judges will drive by participating residences during that time period and judge the entries on creativity, originality, difficulty, detail, visual impact and beauty.

The community will be divided into six geographical areas for judging.

For county residents:

* East of Baileyton Road and north of 11E;

* South of 11E and east of Highway 70;

* West of Highway 70 and south of 11E;

* North of 11E and west of Baileyton Road.

For city residents:

* South of Church Street (37743 zip code);

* North of Church Street (37745 zip code).

The winner in each division will receive $50. All participants will receive certificates of participation.

Entry forms may be obtained at the Greene County Partnership at 115 Academy St. The deadline for entry is 3 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 14.

Winners will be contacted on Friday, Dec. 18.

"We are very excited to again partner with the Greeneville Light and Power in the Residential Holiday Lighting Contest," said Jennifer Reynolds, director of Keep Greene Beautiful.

"So many residents do such a beautiful job decorating their homes at Christmas, it's only fitting that recognition be given to those people who go the extra mile in sharing the holiday spirit with others."

GL&PS General Manager Bill Carroll said, "The advent season is the perfect time to showcase the natural beauty of our community ... We encourage all interested individuals to participate in the contest, which will provide recognition for those who so graciously beautify our town and county at this very special time of year."

For more information, call the Greene County Partnership at 638-4111.