The holiday season is set to shine a lot brighter in the Swan River Valley.
For the first time, the Swan River Lions have started a Christmas Lights contest. Running from now until December 14, the contest aims to spread Christmas cheer around the area. It's open to homes in the entire Valley.
Anywhere from Benito to Cowan to Birch River to the Saskatchewan border, if you live within that area, you can enter your home.
"There are already lots of towns in the area that are doing a fantastic job decorating, I've seen some already," said Corey Stebeleski, Lions Club member. "We want more people to get involved to bring some more Christmas cheer to the valley. I remember getting in the vehicle when I was young with my mom and dad, having some hot chocolate, and going around to see the lights."
If you are in the area and your house is decorated for the holiday season, message the Swan River Lions Club on Facebook or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and send a photo of your lit-up home.
The winner will be announced on December 15 by a panel. The grand prize is $500, which is donated by the Swan River Lions Club.
There will be prize baskets for second and third place, donated by local businesses. Once a good number of entries are received, a town-wide map for those in Swan River will be created.
With the holiday season right around the corner, Corey is looking forward to heading around the valley looking at beautifully lit homes. It's an annual staple for him. He makes a quick trip to Tim Hortons to get a hot chocolate and then hits the streets.
It's an annual tradition like none other for Corey and for so many others.
He's also very proud of everyone who steps up to decorate their homes during the holiday season.
"It's very nice to see. It's nice to see these guys put up a display last year, and then they make it bigger this year," ended Stebeleski. "We're hoping to make this an annual thing and gain traction. Eventually, we're hoping the Swan River Valley is a place where outsiders come to check out our lights and all of the beauty."
It's the Swan River Lions Club's Christmas Lights contest, and it's lighting up the Swan Valley more than ever.
