Marion Holiday Lights Tour in final week

Marion residents are currently competing for the best holiday light display in the city.

Twenty-three households are participating in the third annual Light the Night Holiday Lights Tour in Marion this year.

The winners will be decided by voters in the community as well as a panel of judges.

A People’s Choice award winner will be selected and $500 in prizes will be awarded to entries as determined by a panel of judges.

Voters can make their picks on the city’s website until 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30.

Families looking for a holiday activity can grab a map online of the tour around Marion that highlights the 23 addresses participating this year before they make their vote.

The map takes residents around the entire community, beginning in the southwest quadrant, heading north all the way to County Home Road, east to Highway 13 and back through the center of the city before ending close to Highway 100 in the southeast portion of the city.

City Communications Director Amber Bisinger said the holiday lights tour began as a COVID-19 pandemic initiative in an attempt to keep holiday spirits up during a tough year. However, the contest has now become an annual event and part of Marion’s various holiday activities.

The city still has its own holiday lights up throughout Uptown Marion, including the new 30-foot LED panel holiday tree in the middle of City Square Park. The tree officially debuted at this year’s Christmas in the Park event at the beginning of the month.

In addition, the city is also hosting the Great Candy Cane Hunt.

The oversized candy canes are hidden throughout various Marion parks. Each cane contains an official Great Candy Cane Hunt tag along with small prizes from the Parks and Recreation Department.

Participants will need to bring their candy cane to Lowe Park for an additional prize.

Comments: (319) 398-8255; gage.miskimen@thegazette.com