Contest Rules

1. To enter the 2026 Judged Residential Category, confirm participation from November 20 to December 7 on the Very Virden Christmas website. Judging will take place December 8 to 12. Participants of the Judged Residential Category provide consent for their residential address to be shared on the Very Virden Christmas website and social media. Sharing these details provides those who are interested with the opportunity to drive by the shared addresses and enjoy the submitted light displays.

2. Business Property are defined as a storefront, building, or complex where business is conducted, goods are made or stored or processed or where services are rendered. Decorations should be visible from outside of the business.

3. Participants must be over the age of 18 or have parental consent and be a resident of Virden Township (or an organic extension of the township, such as those residences of Cemetery Road and Frontage Road, within reason.)

4. One contest entry submission per address, per applicable category. A participant may enter both the Judged Residential. Judged Residential 1st, 2nd, 3rd. This coincides with the projected prize values from largest to smallest. Participants will not be eligible to win the same prize category in two consecutive years.

5. For the Judged Residential category there will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes awarded by 3 Judges chosen by the Very Virden Christmas Committee. The Judging Criteria includes:

   • Overall appearance

   • Originality

   • Effort

   • Construction quality

6. The judges will use a 4-point format as provided by the Very Virden Christmas Committee. Extra points may be given for moveable parts, music, gimmicks, or tying in with the Very Virden Christmas “Santa's Workshop” theme.

7. All picture and videos submitted as part of the 2026 Decorating Contest become the property of the Very Virden Christmas committee and can be used for promotional purposes in print, social media, paid digital and website applications.

8. The contest closes – December 12, 2026.

9. Winners will be notified by telephone or email on or around December 15, 2026. Prizes will be available for pick-up at the Empire-Advance office during regular business hours and contest winners have 30 days to pick up their prize(s). Winners will also be announced on social media.

10. Prizes have no cash value. Prizes must be accepted as awarded and cannot be exchanged for any other items or cash.

11. Any decisions made by the Very Virden Christmas volunteer committee will be final.

12. The Very Virden Christmas committee, suppliers, participating businesses, employees and families assume no responsibility for any claims, damages, losses, costs, or expenses the contestant may incur while taking part in or resulting from participation in this contest and/or redemption of any prize.