For nearly 15 years, the Southside Garden Club has sponsored the General Electric Holiday Lighting Contest, awarding cash prizes to the winners.

And again this year, the club is seeking nominees of the most decorative homes and businesses.

Residential categories are traditional, whimsical and religious. Commercial categories are window display and/or outdoor display.

“If you just did religious, or just whimsical, it limits you as to the number of people who can participate,” club member Betty Baxley said of why they split the residential category into three divisions. “Some people like the traditional manger scene, some like Santa Claus and other just go all out. This way, it’s fair to everyone and their preference.”

All contestants are judged by the Garden Club of Alabama criteria, which include artistic effects (including design), originality (lighting ideas or effects), scale and proportion, ingenuity and conformity to the Christmas Spirit.

All entrants must reside in the Demopolis City Limits. Judging will be held Dec. 10, beginning at 5 p.m.