Perry council votes to discontinue Christmas lighting contest after fairness complaints

Perry City Council voted unanimously on Jan. 16 to discontinue the community's annual Christmas Lighting Contest after residents and councilmembers said the contest had become divisive.

The council considered a string of complaints originating at the Dec. 19 meeting, including objections to judging criteria submitted in a letter from a Mr. Crane and concerns about the presence of a cash prize. Councilmember Bob Porter said he could not support continuing “with Mr. Crane’s letter of criteria that they are supposed to follow,” and Councilmember Kristin Babel called the contest “a shame,” saying it had divided neighbors rather than bringing them together.

Resident Christopher Method, who attended the December meeting, told the council he felt the prior process “was terrible” and said the cash prize was the core issue. Another resident, Mike Reader, urged removing judges entirely and suggested using a drop box so community members could vote.

After discussion about whether the contest should alternate years or be noncompetitive, Mayor Susan J. Hammond said she thought “it should not be a competition. People should decorate for the love of the holiday.” Councilmember Kamal Ghazi moved to discontinue the contest effective the 2025 season; Bob Porter seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

The council did not specify a replacement community activity or alternative recognition program at the meeting.