The public will be the judge of the Community Christmas Lights Contest sponsored by the Port Aransas Garden Club.

Chairman Ruth Asher said contestants do not even have to register to enter. All they need to do is leave their lights on the night of Saturday, Dec. 8. The date of the contest is also the date of the Lighted Boat Parade since boats will also be judged.

The public is invited to watch the boat parade and vote for their favorites, then cruise around town looking at lights and voting for favorites. If the address is not visible at night, voters are asked to drive by in daylight to record the address.

The week of the contest, a ballot will be printed in the South Jetty, and ballots will be available at the courtesy booth at the Family Center IGA, 416 S. Alister St.

Ballots must be returned to the Family Center by Monday, Dec. 10.

Winners will be notified, and should leave their lights on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights so photos of the winners can be taken. Photos of the winners will appear in the Dec. 20 edition of the South Jetty.

First place winners in the non-commercial categories will be awarded cash prizes. Categories are residential (including individual condominium units), recreational vehicle/mobile home, and individual boats.

The commercial contest categories include individual businesses and entrances to condominium complexes.

For more information, call Asher, 749-0826.