The annual Riverside Holiday Lighting Contest is back this weekend, and the city’s exterior illumination specialists are vying for the top prizes. According to Riverside City Clerk Becky LaRoche, the contest is sponsored by the Riverside Area Community Club, and is open to anyone in the city or just outside city limits. There are three categories people can enter. The Holiday category is for traditional lighting displays, and the Innovative category rewards the use of technology and animation. The third category is referred to as “Griswold” after the family in National Lampoon’s “Christmas Vacation,” and rewards people for over-the-top, bordering on excessive displays.

Each category will be judged by an impartial outside expert, and cash prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place. LaRoche looks forward to the competition every year and believes it’s good for the community. She likes that it gets people involved and in the holiday spirit, and enjoys when people get elaborate with their displays. She feels the contest is a good way to recognize and appreciate what the contestants do to increase the holiday cheer in the community. The deadline for submissions is Friday at 4:30 p.m. Entry forms should be returned to LaRoche at Riverside City Hall. The judging will take place Saturday. For more information, listen to the In Touch with Southeast Iowa interview with LaRoche at KCIIRadio.com.