The Fairgrounds Festival of Lights will host several holiday competitions during the 2024 event. Like the Erie County Fair, exhibitors will have the chance to compete for ribbons and cash prizes by entering creative work or joining an on-the-spot competitions.
Festival of Lights attendees will have the opportunity to view the entries on display inside of the Winter Wonderland Workshop. Plus, festivalgoers can witness the on-the-spot competitions happen live when visiting the Festival on Dec. 8 and 15.
“We’re excited to add competitions back to the Festival of Lights event after a several year hiatus,” said CEO, Jessica Underberg. “The Festival of Lights competitions provide the opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their creative talents, compete for cash prizes, and add to the magic at the Fairgrounds this holiday season.”
2024 Festival of Lights Competitions
• Holiday Blanket Contest: Providing an opportunity for competitors to create a holiday or winter themed blanket while giving back to the community. All blankets will be showcased throughout the Festival, and at the event’s conclusion, will be donated to Friends of the Night People. Competition classes include quilts, Afghans, crochet, knit, tie, t-shirt and sweatshirt blankets. Open to ages five & up. Online registration deadline is November 8 and blanket drop-off is November 18. Competitors pay one price of $15 for an unlimited number of entries in Festival contests. Entry registration includes a $15 discount off the Full Experience Carload Ticket priced at $33.90.
• On-The-Spot Holiday Wreath Decorating Contest: On Dec. 8 show off your wreath-decorating skills live at the festival! There are three divisions including Junior (5-17), Non-Professional (ages 18+) and Professional (ages 18+). Wreath, floral wire, decorations and tools will be provided. Competitors will have one hour to decorate their wreath. Limited spots are available. This live competition takes place at 6 p.m. on December 8. Sign-up online by December 6. Registration is free for this contest but requires a ticket to attend the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights ($33.90).
• One-The-Spot Gingerbread House Decorating Contest: Get ready for a fast and furious gingerbread competition! There are three divisions including Junior (5-17), Non-Professional (ages 18+) and Professional (ages 18+). The gingerbread house will be provided and pre-constructed. Competitors will have one hour to decorate their house. Limited spots are available. This live competition takes place at 6 p.m. on Dec. 15. Sign-up online by December 6. Registration is free for this contest but requires a ticket to attend the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights ($33.90).
Season of Giving
Holiday blanket donations aren’t limited to just competitors at the Festival of Lights! New year, Festival attendees can donate new or gently used blankets to benefit Friends of the Night People. Blankets can be dropped in the marked box inside of the Winter Wonderland Workshop or given to staff at the drive-thru or walk-up ticket booths.
Additional community giveback efforts return to the 2024 Festival of Lights including:
• Donate to the Armor Volunteer Fire Company on Saturday, December 14. While in the drive-thru line, spare some change for our friends at Armor and help fill their boots!
• Festivalgoers can donate toys to the News Neediest Fund. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off with staff at the drive-thru or walk-up ticket booths through December 19.
• Attendees can share the spirit of the season by writing letters to local veterans and active military in the Winter Wonderland Workshop. Letters will be distributed for the holidays.
The Festival is produced by the Erie County Agricultural Society, producers of the Erie County Fair. For more information regarding the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights visit www.FairgroundsHoliday.com.