Erwin Fiber Holiday Lighting Contest

Unicoi, Tenn. —  In a bold move to unite two towns in Christmas cheer, the Town of Unicoi and Town of Erwin are joining forces and partnering with Erwin Fiber/Erwin Utilities to host the Erwin Fiber Holiday Lighting Contest December 12-15.

“We had a lot of Erwin residents try to apply last year when the contest was specific to the Town of Unicoi, as it has been for years,” said Town of Unicoi Communications and Programs Director Ashley Shelton. “So we wanted to embrace our neighbors this year and work together to provide a COVID-friendly way to get in the holiday spirit.”

Title sponsor Erwin Fiber/Erwin Utilities is once again supplying the contest prizes in the form of credits to winners’ electric bills, which was a big hit with residents last year.

“It was nice to get a little recognition for the hard work we put into our Christma lights each year,” said 2019 Best Business Display Winner Mike Collins. “And the break we got on our power bill for our efforts was super helpful during this time of year.”

Available prizes include $25 for “Best Holiday Theme,” $50 for “Best Use of Lights,” $75 for “Best Residential Display” and $75 for “Best Business Display.”

“We are excited to partner with the Towns of Erwin and Unicoi to sponsor the Erwin Fiber Holiday Decorating Contest again this year,” said Erwin Utilities President and CEO Lee H. Brown. “We know that, much like the rest of 2020, traditional holiday festivities will look different for folks this year. We hope that many families and businesses will participate so our community can enjoy the Christmas lights and décor from the safety of their own vehicles.”

The separate business category, which debuted last year, is sponsored by the Unicoi Business Alliance and is intended to encourage retailers to create a festive holiday environment for residents and guests that may be visiting throughout the season.

“We want our area to be inviting to tourists and the community alike,” said Erwin Communications Director Jamie Rice. “And what better way than to fill the valley with the beautiful glow of Christmas lights.”

 The contest registration deadline is December 11 with judging held December 12-15 from dark to 11 p.m. The panel will include representatives from the Town of Unicoi, Town of Erwin, Erwin Fiber/Utilities, Unicoi Business Alliance and local volunteers.

“We’re extremely thankful for the generosity of Erwin Fiber and the Unicoi Business Alliance,” Town of Unicoi Mayor Kathy Bullen said. “It will be heartwarming to see our towns work together to create a magical atmosphere for our citizens this Christmas.”

The Erwin Fiber Holiday Lighting Contest is open to all Town of Unicoi and Erwin residents. Entry forms can be obtained at Unicoi Town Hall (3600 Unicoi Drive), Erwin Town Hall (211 N Main Avenue) and the Tourist Information Center (106 Unicoi Village Place – off exit 32), or residents may apply online at UnicoiTN.net/events.

For more information, contact Patricia Bennett at (423) 735-0517 or email recreationaide@unicoitn.net.