Tourism announces 2023 Light Up Ohio County Holiday Decorating Contest & Light Trail

Event takes place throughout Ohio County

RISING SUN/OHIO COUNTY, IND.:  Ohio County Tourism, Inc. announces their 7th Annual Light Up Ohio County Residential Outdoor Holiday Decorating Contest & Light Trail. The event takes place throughout Ohio County from Dec. 9-31, 2023. 

For 2023, the contest will feature higher payouts to contest winners. Cash awards will be given to the top three decorated homes in Ohio County as deemed by the judges. Prizes include $350 first place; $275 second place; and $200 for third. Two $100 honorable mentions will be awarded at the judges’ discretion. At least two Neighborhood Awards will be available with winning residents receiving bragging rights.

Entry forms are now available at Visitors Center located at 217 N. High Street in Rising Sun or by requesting them via e-mail to kendal@enjoyrisingsun.com. The deadline to apply is Friday, December 1 at 2 p.m. The Visitors Center business hours are Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

There is no entry fees required, although a registration form must be submitted. Only entrants within the Ohio County limits are eligible to participate. 

“We hope to see the most entries to date, with residents attracted by the higher prize money. We want to see Ohio County shine!” said Kendal Miller, Rising Sun/Ohio County Tourism executive director.

The annual contest is another small facet of a wide array of Christmas and holiday events in Rising Sun that include: the Christmas Casino; several Holiday Marketplaces; a Christmas Fun in Rising Sun-A Merry Little Christmas Celebration at the Visitors Center on December 9; Christmas concerts; and Rising Sun Main Street’s Holiday Window Decorating Contest.  

Individuals interested on being on the Light Up Ohio County light trail but do not want their homes to be judged can participate by filling out a registration form. A list of decorated trail homes will be released to the public after judging.

Completed applications can be mailed to Ohio County Tourism, PO Box 112, Rising Sun, IN, 47040 or e-mailed to kendal@enjoyrisingsun.com. All submissions must be in by Friday, December 1, 2023 at 2 p.m. Weather-permitting, judging will take place on December 5 & 6 from 6-9 p.m. Winners will be announced no later than Saturday, December 9.  

Additional information on lodging, eateries, and tourist attractions in Ohio County is available by logging on to the enjoyrisingsun.com website. Rising Sun/Ohio County Tourism is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.