The Friends of the Historic Fayette Memorial Pool invite residents and businesses to brighten up the community this holiday season through a Christmas Lights Contest fundraiser.

The contest encourages participants to decorate their homes, porches, patios, balconies, or businesses in a festive holiday fashion. Entries will compete in four categories: Best Decorations, Best Use of Color, Best Use of Music, and Best Use of Characters.

Judging will take place on the nights of Dec. 3 and 4, with $100 cash prizes awarded to the first-place winner in each category. Winners will be announced at the bandstand on the courthouse lawn before the Fayette Holiday Parade on Dec. 6.

Entries will be judged on four criteria: 30 percent materials, 20 percent originality and use of category, 30 percent creativity, and 20 percent overall appeal and attractiveness.

The entry fee is $25, and participants must register by Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. Registration and payment should be submitted to Ann Schnell, 300 Besgrove Street, Fayette, MO 65248. Homes must be located within five miles of the Fayette city limits.

All proceeds from the contest will benefit the Friends of the Historic Fayette Memorial Pool, supporting ongoing preservation and improvement efforts at the community’s historic pool facility.