Fourth Year of Light Up Our City to Offer Bigger Cash Prize, Unique Appearance Opportunity
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on November 07, 2023
Offering a bigger cash prize and the unique opportunity to light the 2024 Bridgeport Christmas tree, Light Up Our City is stepping it up.
Those who want to light up their home exterior and be entered in the annual contest have until Dec. 12 to sign up.
Entrees will be added to a map on the Bridgeport Visitors Center app and be judged for weekly “Sleighed It” recognition and the ultimate grand prize of $750.
“Not only that, but the grand prize winner will be invited to light the tree at the 2024 Light Up Night, which is the 20th anniversary of the event,” said Julie Perine of Bridgeport Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The contest is sponsored by the CVB, Bridgeport Card My Yard and the Associated Businesses of Bridgeport. The CVB and ABB are contributing the prize money, and Card My Yard will be comping the “Sleighed It” display that will be showcased on the three weekly winners’ yards.
Jenny Reed of Card My Yard shared the inspiration behind Light Up Our City, which began in 2020.
“It was, of course, pandemic year, and we wanted to do something to lift spirits and get people out of their homes and enjoy some holiday cheer,” she said. “People really seemed to like it, so we have continued it every year.”
The variety of decorating styles is always interesting, ranging from classic to whimsical and trendy. Whatever catches the judges’ eyes will be considered for recognition and ultimately the grand prize.
The 2022 grand prize winner was Monte Small, who the committee has dubbed Bridgeport’s own “Mr. Christmas.” He works hard annually to create a holiday wonderland and his creativity was rewarded.
The three “Sleighed It” winners will be announced weekly starting the week of Dec. 12. Just prior to Christmas Day, the grand prize winner will be announced, and he or she will receive the cash prize and pose for a photo op. When Light Up Night 2024 rolls around, that winner will be asked to flip the switch on the city Christmas tree from the terrace of the Benedum Civic Center.
To sign up for Light Up Our City, send name and address to julie@connect-bridgeport.com and please put "Light Up Our City" in the subject line. Deadline is 11:59 p.m. Tues., Dec. 12.
Residents must live within Bridgeport city limits to participate in the contest.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows the home of Monte Small, winner of the 2022 Light Up Our City contest. Right is the Light Up Night tree-lighting ceremony.
