By Melissa Smalley
Think you've got the most Christmas Spirit in the South Cariboo?
A brand new contest can help you prove your festive fortitude, while raising money for the 100 Mile House Waterpark project.
The contest, which opened this week, calls on participants to enter their festively lit homes for a chance at winning one of three top prizes, including $500 cash, $275 in gift cards or a free professional photo shoot.
Jamie Hughes, member of the 100 Mile House Waterpark Society, says the idea behind a Christmas Spirit contest is meant to reflect the community support that has been given so far to the water park project.
"We came up with the idea for a winter fundraiser for the water park because it symbolizes what this entire project has been up to this point – the community coming together for something positive. We are hoping that it brings the community together in an effort to make our town a little bit brighter this Christmas."
Anyone wishing to participate can pick up a form at the District of 100 Mile House office (385 Birch Ave.).
The cost to enter is $20 – payable in cash only – and judging is set to take place Dec. 17-18. Participants should make sure their homes are lit up between 6 and 10 p.m. on the days that judging is taking place.
The deadline to enter the Christmas Spirit contest is Dec. 16.
According to Hughes, the Waterpark Society – with the generous support of the community – has raised about half of the funds needed to build a children's spray park, slated for Centennial Park, since the group launched six years ago.
The society has hosted several fundraising events and is working on applying for community funding grants to help with the fundraising efforts.