News Flash

PLEASE NOTE: Some homes on the Christmas Tour of Lights map may not be fully decorated at the time of this posting. The Merry & Bright Holiday Home Challenge judging period is Nov. 29-Dec. 5. Winners will be announced Dec. 6.

COOKEVILLE – Putnam County has plenty of must-see holiday homes. But where are they?

Fortunately, there’s a map for that.

Cookeville’s third annual self-guided Merry and Bright Christmas Tour of Lights – which includes addresses of participants in the Merry and Bright Holiday Home Challenge presented by Cookeville Leisure Services and Upper Cumberland Association of Realtors – is available HERE.

“Participants in our exterior decorating contest have made possible a joyful activity through their creativity,” Mildred Garrett, Leisure Services recreation programmer, said. “We encourage families to take a drive through their hometown and admire these festive homes, whether it’s for their color, whimsical wonder or traditional appeal.”

The map, designed by GIS Manager Terry Clark of the Cookeville Planning Department, features 19 homes within an approximate 10-mile radius of the Cookeville Courthouse Square. Paper copies are available at Cookeville City Hall, 45 E. Broad St.

Map users are encouraged to have a GPS on hand as they follow the map.

“We have grown larger each year, and it appears all of our residents are thoroughly enjoying the beautiful displays,” Carol Glover of UCAR said. “We encourage you to set aside an evening to view all the entries and make it one of your holiday traditions. You will not be disappointed.”

Winners of the Merry and Bright Holiday Home Challenge will be announced Dec. 6. Categories are Most Colorful, Most Traditional and Most Animated. An additional People’s Choice prize will be awarded in a social media contest consisting of photos of all entries to be posted on the Cookeville Leisure Services Department Facebook page Dec. 6. The photo with the most “likes” by noon Dec. 13 wins.

For more information, call Cookeville Leisure Services at 520-4386.