There is still time for holiday enthusiasts to get a chance to shine at the Island County Sheriff’s Office Holiday Lights Competition.

After all applications are submitted by Dec. 24, deputies will drive around Whidbey and Camano, admiring and judging each submission before announcing the winners on Jan 1.

Deputy Laurrin Bates, who described herself as a “Christmas nerd” since childhood, always enjoys seeing residents’ light displays while patrolling the county roads. Whenever she spots a particularly festive home, she exclaims “Christmas lights!”

“(The lights) bring me a lot of joy, especially when I’m driving around and it’s foggy,” said Bates, who grew up in Oak Harbor. “They illuminate the fog and it looks really neat.”

She launched the contest last year, wanting to spread the holiday cheer among her colleagues and celebrate the holidays with the community.

In its first year, Bates received about 45 submissions. Since the announcement was posted a bit later this time, she hasn’t received as many submissions but hopes people will put their creativity to the test.

The contest is open to anyone on Whidbey and Camano, regardless of whether they live in a municipality or an unincorporated area. To qualify, all it takes is displaying any kind of outdoor holiday decoration, like lights, sculptures and inflatables.

If people don’t think their decorations would win because they’re small or less elaborate than others, Bates asks to participate regardless, as deputies really enjoy seeing what everyone has put together.

“It’s important to be proud of where you live, what you do and what makes you happy,” she said. “Putting up Christmas lights is just another way to express who you are and celebrate.”

To participate, community members can submit their name and address to Laurrin Bates at L.BATES@ISLANDCOUNTYWA.GOV.