Steve Baker, who is heading up a panel of judges to name the best decorated house during the Christmas holidays in Lehigh, said today that judges are riding around town and looking at homes and that he has received more than two dozen emails from folks who want to be in the competition.

“We’re really happy with the reception we are getting,” Baker said. “I think is a good thing for Lehigh. We have a great community and this is how we can showcase the beautiful homes that are decorated.”

Just as a reminder, you can email Baker at: Info@lehighacreschamber.org with the address of your home or the home you have seen that you believe is worthy of winning the contest.

On December 16 at 6:30 p.m., Baker’s Fun Biz Charter Bus Service will carry 12 judges around the community and they will pick the winner. If you want to ride with them, you can notify Baker at the above email address. All he asks is that you give a donation to the Lehigh Acres Kiwanis Club, which is sponsoring the Home Christmas Decorations Contest along with the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce.

You can also write the Chamber with your suggestions if you don’t have email. The address is Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce, holiday Bus, PO box 757, Lehigh Acres, 33936.

Years back, there was a contest to name a winner of the best decorated home during Christmas but it was discontinued because of what appeared to be a lack of interest back then.”

“My wife and I were not living here then,” Baker said. “So I don’t remember, but the judges from the Kiwanis and the Chamber and myself think this is a wonderful way to recognize people who go all out to decorate their homes.”

Judges will also pick second and third and the whole list of sites that would be of interest to the folks of Lehigh will be listed in The Citizen and online at Lehighacrescitizen.com on December 22, just a few days before Christmas.

“I think people of Lehigh would enjoy riding around and seeing the excellent ones … the ones where the people really did some work to make their homes stand out for the holidays,” Baker said.

A plaque will be presented to the owners of the best decorated home, he said.

“This is something we want to continue every year and from the response we are getting and hearing, we think the people of Lehigh are going to get into the holiday spirit.

“But tell the folks to let us know of homes that they see already at night. We are also riding around at night looking at homes to put on the list for the competition,” he said.

“Just look here at the emails,” Baker said as he pointed to his Blackberry. “We’re getting a lot of people involved and that is what it is all about.”