Holiday Preparations

The Monticello News wants everyone to enjoy the holiday season, and has some special activities planned to make it more likely to happen.

Our traditional “Santa section” featuring letters to Santa Claus from Jasper County children is scheduled for publication on Thursday, Dec. 16. (We want to be sure to get the letters to the North Pole in time for Santa to pack his sleigh.) Traditionally, this is the time local businesses thank their customers and extend holiday greetings.

But, that’s not all.

{{more}}

Next week’s paper, December 9, will feature the annual Christmas coloring contest for the young and young-at-heart (adults can win). The pictures to be colored, along with the sponsors names, will be in next week’s paper. The colored pictures need to be turned into The Monticello News office by the end of the day on Friday, Dec. 17, so they can be judged over the weekend. Winners will be announced Monday morning, and their photos will be featured in the Dec. 23 edition of the paper.

Also featured in the December 23 paper will be photos of the homes judged to have the best holiday lighting displays. Anyone in the county who wants his home/yard to be judged needs to mail or bring in the form (see page 6 of today’s paper) with the $5 fee, by Friday, Dec. 17.

Out-of-county judges will visit each property entered and choose the winners. Winners will be featured in the December 23 Monti-cello News, and they will receives a yard sign noting the selection.

The judges will visit any location inside of Jasper County, so everyone is encouraged to sign up.