Sparkle

Sparkling holiday lights

Welcome to SPARKLE! 

Sparkle is a holiday light contest that began in 2020 under the name of "Gift of Lights". A local businessman remembered fondly the days of a holiday light contest, and felt that 2020 was the perfect year to bring it back. He challenged United Way of Freeborn County to create an event that would serve as a fundraiser to benefit UWFC, and bring joy and light to Freeborn County. 

In 2020, UWFC launched Gift of Lights with 13 participants and a panel of judges awarding $1,700 in prizes! 

In 2021, our superhero sponsor challenged us to add a voting component to raise funds for United Way's programs. We rebranded, added in the voting component, raised $443 and brought tons of holiday cheer! 

Can you help make 2022 our best year yet? 

 It's up to YOU to decide who has the best light display! 

$1.00 donation is equal to ONE vote! 

$10.00 donation is equal to TEN votes. 

 

So come on and join the fun and bring a little SPARKLE to Freeborn County 
Click below for the contest rules and registration form! 

Registration Payment

Registration: To compete in this contest, an entry form with payment must be completed, signed, and submitted to UWFC no later than Monday, December 12th 2022. Form may be mailed to UWFC at P.O. Box 686, Albert Lea, MN 56007 or completed online at www.unitedwayfc.org/sparkle.

Who Can Enter: Entrants must be a resident of Freeborn County. Residential entry fee is $15. Businesses and organizations fee are $25. All fees go towards supporting United Way of Freeborn County’s annual campaign. Staff & Board of Directors and their families are welcome to participate but are not eligible for prizes.

Deadline for Decorating: Entries must be decorated and lit by 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 15th, 2022. All entrants must have the Contestant Entry Card displayed in a prominent space. Entry Cards will be provided by United Way of Freeborn County on or before December 14th 2022.

Location of Entries: Entries must be within Freeborn County limits. If you live in a very rural location that may provide difficulty to get to, please consider a location within city limits such as a local business that may wish to partner with you. Businesses are welcome to allow school groups, organizations or individuals to decorate for them. The prize is awarded to the person whose name is listed on the registration form. Entrants are fully responsible for gaining permission to decorate areas that belong to someone else, whether it be the City, a business or property owner, etc. UWFC will not be responsible for making such contacts and/or arrangements.

Decorating Requirements: Entries will be judged on “curb appeal.” Indoor decorations will not be included in the judging unless they can be viewed from outside, i.e., windows, doors, etc. All entries must include lights/illumination and be in good taste and family oriented. All entries must remain lit (during reasonable waking hours) and decorated from December 15th-December 31. Timers are highly encouraged to save energy.  For example, lights on from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Entrants should monitor their displays to make sure lights are working and properly maintained during the timeframe. Entrants are responsible for being aware of and adhering to local rules and regulations regarding lights. Representatives of UWFC will be touring the light contest throughout the contest period. Entrants that are found to not be adhering to the contest rules may be disqualified.

AWARDS:
Winners are determined by votes. Voting is accomplished by donating to United Way of Freeborn County. There is no limit on votes, and each vote costs $1.00. Voters may vote online, in person at United Way of Freeborn County, by mailing to the United way office or at the Convention & Visitor’s Bureau located at 132 N. Broadway. Voting will open on December 16th, 2022 and must be received by December 31st, 2022. Donations must include the contestant number to be counted as a Sparkle donation and vote. 

 

PRIZES:

Residential 1st Place: $500

Residential 2nd Place: $300

Residential 3rd Place: $150

Business 1st Place: Trophy and $500 to nonprofit in Freeborn County.

Business 2nd Place: $250 to nonprofit in Freeborn County.

Residential winners will receive monetary prizes as listed above. Business/Organizational winners will receive an award and will be able to present their winnings to a non-profit providing programs with a human service benefit in Freeborn County and adheres to United Way values of equity. For questions regarding eligible nonprofits to receive winnings, please contact the UWFC office.

A representative of the business will be asked to present the winnings to the non profit and consent to a photograph to be used for promotional purposes.

Announcement of Winners: Winners will be announced on the Ron Hunter Radio Showgram on POWER 96 Wednesday morning Jan 4th at 8:30 am. Results will also be posted on social media pages and the website, as well as contacted by phone or email. Prize money takes approximately 10-14 days to process to the individuals. 

Special Notice: Registration gives consent for entry photos to be featured in local media, UWFC’s website and social media. Entrants by the signature of their representative agree to defend, indemnify, and hold the UWFC, its officers, officials, and volunteers harmless from all claims, injuries, damages, losses, or suits including attorney fees, arising out of or in connect with their participation.

Questions: Contact UWFC at 507-373-8670 or email sparkle@unitedwayfc.org

Mail Completed Form & Payment to:

United Way SPARKLE

P. O. BOX 686 Albert Lea, MN 56007

or register online www.unitedwayfc.org/sparkle

by Monday, December 12th, 2022. Registration and payment must be in hand, postmarked entries do not qualify. 
 

 

Entries must be received with payment by the deadline of December 12th. 

Residential Contestants: $15.00

Businesses & Organizations: $25.00

All fees go towards supporting United Way of Freeborn County’s Annual Campaign, supporting more than 24 programs in the areas of health, income and education in Freeborn County.

Payment Methods are Accepted by: 

Cash drop off in person by appointment only at United Way. There is no change given. Call 507-373-8670 to set up a time. 

Checks made to United Way of Freeborn County, mailed at PO Box 686, Albert Lea, MN 56007

Online at the bottom of the registration page.
If choosing an online method, contestants are encouraged to cover the cost of the processing fee.
$15.00 plus processing fee would be $15.63
$25.00 plus processing fee would be $25.85

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