ANDREWS, Texas — The City of Andrews held a "Deck the Halls" contest for local businesses along Main St. and Broadway St.
The City was unable to put up their own lights in 2023 because of issues, so they called upon local businesses to help.
"A couple weeks ago when we were setting up the Christmas lights we realized we weren't going to be able to set up the lights that we have on the poles," Andrews City Manager Steve Eggleston said. "They had damage done to them over the past several years with high winds and just time had worn on them."
Businesses were challenged to show their Christmas cheer and decorate the front of their businesses for a shot at some prize money.
A number of local businesses heeded the city's call.
Esther Gibson, owner of Gibbi's Custom Creations in Andrews, chose to participate.
“I actually got really excited. We had been wanting to put up permanent lights," Gibson said. "We talked about it for a couple years, we just hadn’t gotten around to doing that so when they presented that to the City, we jumped on it really fast.”
The prize for first place is $5000 and then the amount goes down to $1000 in fifth place.
The City is happy to see businesses helping to keep the holiday spirit alive in town.
“It gave me a sense of pride that our community was stepping up and really got into the Christmas spirit and you can sense that," Eggleston said. "Then this morning on social media there was a buzz around town, thanking businesses for going out and making an extra effort. So it really gives you a sense of community pride.”
Eggleston also says there was judging all day Friday. There was some in the morning and there were some more at night.
The City should have their winners around Monday during the week of Dec. 11 and as well as giving out the prizes later in the week of Dec. 11.