The Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau is encouraging residents to light up Nacogdoches by participating in the annual Bert Rees Christmas Lighting Contest. This year, residents may nominate themselves, their neighbors or a favorite display through social media. Winners will be awarded a cash prize.
Every year visitors from around the state travel to Nacogdoches to experience the wonderful events during the annual Nine Flags Christmas Festival, and the residential lighting enhances their experience while they’re here by giving them more to see in the community. The switch to social media was made to encourage more participation in the lighting contest by making it easier to submit their entries.
“We wanted to give everyone a chance to nominate those houses in Nacogdoches that are really fun to look at,” said contest committee member Chay Runnels. “Years ago, people spent time during the holidays driving around and looking at lights. We want to bring that back by rewarding people who take the time to make the outside of their homes merry and bright for the season.”
Named in memory of Bert Rees, a local college art professor and Christmas Light aficionado, the contest is scheduled to run from now until December 12th. Residents in Nacogdoches County may nominate themselves or someone else’s residential or commercial property. There will be two categories this year: Best Christmas Display in Nacogdoches and People’s Choice for Best Christmas Display in downtown Nacogdoches. A $500 cash prize will be awarded to the winner of Best Christmas Display in Nacogdoches and a $1,000 cash prize will be awarded to the winner of Best Christmas Display in downtown Nacogdoches. Entries may be submitted online via Facebook @Christmas Celebration Nacogdoches or via Instagram and Twitter with #BertRees. For the best photo possible, it is recommended to take your pictures at dusk. People may cast their vote for their favorite photo on Facebook @Christmas Celebration Nacogdoches December 15-19.
This year’s contest is sponsored by Rees Jewelry, the retail jewelry store founded by Bert Rees and his brother Arthur in Austin in 1953. The store is now located in downtown Nacogdoches and operated by Rees’ wife, Charlene Rees.
For more information, call the Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau at 936-564-7351 or visit www.nineflagsfestival.com.
