This holiday season may have lights, lots and lots of them, twinkling and sparkling in Woolwich. Voting will soon begin to decide which resident did the best job decorating their home for the Yule Tide season.

“We’re calling it our holiday tour of lights and we’re inviting any homeowner that wants to to take part,” Selectman Jason Shaw explained to Wiscasset Newspaper over the telephone. “People can drive around town and see the homes that have been decorated and pick the one they like best.”

Shaw said after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the annual tree lighting and yule sing, he and other members of Woolwich Historical Society came up with the idea to hold a drive-by event.

“We wanted to do something safe that people can enjoy with their families over the holidays,”  he added.

The competition gets underway this weekend and concludes with a drive-through event from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at the municipal building.

Dennis and Vicki Mosier were among the first to sign up. Every December, the Mosiers go all out in transforming the front yard of their home at 652 Old Stage Road into a colorful, eye-popping winter wonderland.

The home is nestled back in the woods a short distance from the road, but you cannot miss the thousands of colored lights surrounding it. There are dozens of displays, too, including the lovable characters from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and a snowman who tips his top hat, Santas galore and more.  

“People are welcome to come and see, and Dennis and I hope they leave with a smile,” said Vicki Mosier, who hands out a candy cane to every visitor. The Mosiers have a large turn around at the end of their driveway.

Selectman Allison Hepler, Tammy Given of Shaw Construction and Debbie Locke, historical society president, pitched in to make the holiday tour of lights happen.

“When I was a child, back in the 50’s in Worcester, Massachusetts our family would take an annual car ride to check out the Christmas lights. It was a great tradition! Maybe this will grow to become that here,” said Locke.

“I loved the idea of getting people outdoors enjoying the winter lights – when the days are short,” wrote Hepler in an email to the newspaper. “When people come to the municipal building Dec. 19 we want everyone to stay in their vehicles,” Hepler added. Volunteers along with a special guest from the North Pole will provide curbside service offering free hot chocolate, candy canes and more, she said.

At the same time, anyone who wants to can drop off non-perishable food donations for tBath Area Food Bank, stated Hepler. “It's been a hard year for many people, especially those who are food insecure.” Monetary donations will be accepted as well.

Cash prizes of $25, $50 and $75 donated by Shaw’s Construction will be go to the top three holiday home decorating winners as voted on by residents. Maps showing participating homeowners appear on the historical society’s Facebook page and woolwich.us