GLADSTONE — Christmas lights will twinkle on homes for holiday cheer and a good cause in Gladstone this year. Homes within the Gladstone city limits can participate in a house decorating contest.

Ron Miaso, Gladstone Downtown Development Authority (DDA) coordinator, said the contest is sponsored by the Downtown Development Authority and organized by the Old Fashioned Christmas Committee.

“This is, obviously, the first time we’re doing this,” Miaso said.

He explained the contest originated when Derby Chase, a member of the DDA and on the Old Fashioned Christmas Committee, and himself approached the Delta County Chamber of Commerce for wagons for the Old Fashioned Christmas event.

According to Miaso, after Chamber Director Vicky Micheau said the committee could use the wagons, she also offered prize money for the best decorated house in Gladstone.

“So we thought, ‘hey, that is really kind of a slick idea,'” Miaso said.

The contest is open to all residents within the city limits of Gladstone.

Entry applications must be received no later than 3 p.m. on Dec. 6. The applications can be picked up at the Gladstone Professional Suites Building, 823 Delta Ave., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The applications and entry fees can be brought to the same location.

“The entry fee is going to be any non-perishable food item,” Miaso said. “So it’d obviously go to a good cause.”

Although applications are due Dec. 6, the judging will not take place until Dec. 16 by the Old Fashioned Christmas Committee members.

Miaso said the committee will view participating homes from 6 to 8 p.m. to judge them on “curb appeal.”

What is visible from the road is what will be judged.

“Judges will not enter property,” Miaso said.

Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third placed homes.