2008
1st Annual Christmas Tree
Decorating Contest

This year, in conjunction with the City’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, we will have a tree decorating contest for homeowners associations (HOA) and neighborhood organizations. The City hopes to make this an annual tradition. Homeowner associations or neighborhood organizations that would like to participate should complete the registration form below.

The registration fee for the contest is $75.00. This fee will include the purchase of a live tree that will be purchased by the City and a permanent plaque with the HOA/neighborhood organization name. Decorated trees will be on display through the month of December. Upon completion of the contest and display period, the live trees will be permanently planted on City property along with the corresponding plaque.

Contest Requirements:

Registered participants will provide lights and decorations in accordance with the following requirements.

Trees must be decorated on one or all of the following dates and times:

Sunday, November 30, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Monday, December 1, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 2nd from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 3rd from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Trees must be completed and ready for judging by 5:00 p.m., Thursday, December 4, 2008. All decorations must be removed by 5:00 p.m., Saturday, January 3, 2009. Trees will be on display December 1, 2008 through January 2, 2009.

Keep in mind that decorations will be exposed to various weather conditions as well as birds, squirrels, and other visitors to the municipal complex. The City of Murphy is not responsible for any damage or stolen items from contest tree entries.

Trees will be judged on the following criteria:
 Originality
 Theme – effective representation of your chosen theme
 Creativity
 Use of required items: (The following 4 items are required; but other items may be used)
• One (1) set of lights - any color
• One (1) gold/silver star - any size
• One (1) ribbon in red, silver, gold or blue – ribbon must include name of HOA or neighborhood organization.
• One (1) jump rope (this year’s wacky item)

The winner will be honored with bragging rights and a trophy for the year. The trophy will be passed on each year. The contest will be judged by impartial judges who do not reside in the City. Representatives from the Murphy Chamber of Commerce, The Murphy Messenger, and The Murphy Monitor have agreed to judge this year’s contest. For more information, please contact Heather Smith at 972/468-4006 or hsmith@murphytx.org.

Registration and $75.00 fee will be due by Wednesday, November 26, 2008. A registration form can be found on the City website: www.murphytx.org.