MT. MORRIS – Mt. Morris will hold its annual Christmas tree decorating contest at the bandshell again this year.

Contestants can place a decorated lighted tree on the bandshell beginning Nov. 10 for the annual contest.

Trees will be judged during the opening evening festivities and Campus Lighting on Dec. 4. Entrants may pick up rules and an entry form from the Village Clerk’s office at 105 W. Lincoln St., Mt. Morris.

They will be issued a number that shall be placed on the tree for judging purposes.

“Prize money is graciously being sponsored again this year by the Rockford Bell Credit Union,” organizer Jerry Stauffer said.

Three winners will be picked with the first place winning $150, second place $100, and third place $50.

“Prizes will be awarded that evening as part of the Campus Lighting Festival Opening Celebration held the evening of Dec. 4 with festivities beginning at 5 p.m. New this year will be a Christmas Lighting Display that will encompass the entire two blocks of the campus downtown in the business district,” Stauffer said. “It is something new this year with all major buildings being decorated with lights, as well as the bandshell area and most of the trees on the campus.

“Opening night will feature a Christmas Parade bringing Santa to town for the kids to visit with,” he said. “He will be in his sleigh and he will be passing out children’s books to the first 200 kids to visit him. The books are being supplied by the Mt. Morris Community Library Foundation.”

Free food and drinks will be available, as well as fresh apple cider donuts compliments of Berry View Orchard of Mt. Morris. Donuts also will be available for purchase. Freewill cash donations will be accepted in support of the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, the Mt. Morris Senior Center and the downtown Decorating Committee.