Bring on the lights. Bring on the excitement. Bring on the carol-singing and bell-ringing and the story-telling. It’s the Second Annual Ivoryton Illuminations and it promises to light up the start of this holiday season. Join all the fun Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m.For the full story, see the Dec. 1 issue of the Valley Courier and go to Zip06.com.

First, Ivoryton Illuminations is featuring its outdoor lights competition, which proved so successful last year. The Ivoryton Village Alliance has expanded its entrant eligibility to include every house in Essex, Centerbrook and Ivoryton.

The alliance is now accepting applications. Time to get busy. Judges in this competition will be making several drive-bys between Dec. 1 and Dec. 18. Judging criteria will include: creativity, number of lights, colored lights are looked upon favorably. Homeowners who would like to enter but think they do not have sufficient lights may be supplied with some, thanks to local donations. For extra lights, or to have questions answered, contact Chris Shane, 860-767-1147 or shanec89@comcast.net. If interested in participating in this competition, contact Gather in Ivoryton at gather.ivoryton@yahoo.com.