It’s time to pull out that unsightly holiday sweater, and make it earn its keep, at the Clinton Education Foundation’s first (CEF) Ugly Sweater Contest at the Andrews Memorial Town Hall, 54 East Main Street, Clinton on Sunday, Dec. 3.

Contest Coordinator Melanie Elliot has worked on Clinton’s annual Christmas in Clinton Event in years past, and said that she wanted to add something new this year. And just like that, with the support of Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Committee, the Ugly Sweater Contest was born.

Registration runs from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on the day of the event, with two categories: individual and family. The cost is $5 minimum fee for individuals and $10 minimum fee for families. Judging will take place from 4:15 to 4:30 p.m. on the steps of Town Hall.

Winners of each category will receive a family four-pack of first-class tickets on the Essex Steam Train North Pole Express on Thursday, Dec. 28, valued at $66.

A portion of the proceeds raised will benefit Families Helping Families, and the rest will go towards CEF programs.

“We raise money for scholarships and grants,” Elliot said. Students use the money for summer camps, leadership camps, and college tuition, she said.

Funds raised by CEF are also distributed to local teachers for school supplies in the classroom.

As for Families Helping Families, Eliot said that in years past the CEF has helped with fundraising for the organization by hosting a spelling bee.

At the contest, CEF members will hand out coloring books and collect donations.

“It’s going to be really casual and fun,” Elliot said.

For information or to register in advance, email clinton.education.foundation@gmail.com with name, address, and category; the registration fee may be submitted at the event.