A fond memory from my childhood is packing the whole family, and quite often several friends, into the vehicle nearing the Christmas season. All of us children, and our parents too, itching with excitement waiting on the darkness to fall so all of the dainty lights could glow through the car windows. Simple or extravagant, that did not matter. The cruising, the laughing, and the twinkle from those beautiful Christmas lights that we had looked so forward to admiring are a strong memory from our youth. Let's come together as a community and decorate our town this holiday season to create memories like these with our children.

UT Extension Union County and Union County Chamber of Commerce have partnered to present a 2017 Light Up Union County Contest. The hope of this event is for the community and all of its patrons including storefronts, churches, clubs, schools, businesses, and even individual homes to get involved in decorating our growing community for the season. Let's work together to create a Home for the Holidays feeling throughout the county. Anyone in Union County can take part by turning in an entry form to UT Extension Union County by December 1st. Decorations have to be in place by December 6th at 4:00pm. Check out the entry form or call 865-992-8038 for more details and rules.