'Light Up Fort Scott'; Preparations also being made for annual trolley tours.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce once again wants to brighten up Fort Scott during the holiday season.
The chamber is currently preparing for its annual Dolly HollyDay tours, which run from Dec. 15-23, and the Light Up Fort Scott decoration contest. On the tours, which start at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. nightly, passengers will board Dolly the Trolley to view area houses lit up and decorated for the Christmas season and are entries in the annual Light Up Fort Scott contest, as well as a few local favorites.
The tours and lighting contest have traditionally been a way to show tourists what Fort Scott has to offer during the holiday season, and another way for residents to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends.
Residents are encouraged to bring out the best in decorating their homes in a traditional, humorous or religious theme in the spirit of the holiday season, a news release said.
"We encourage people to light up their homes and make it festive for the holiday season," FSACC Executive Director Lindsay Madison said.
This year, there will be two winners in the Light Up Fort Scott contest. Fort Scott Mayor Jim Adams will choose the winner of the Mayor's Award and riders on the trolley during the Dolly HollyDay tours will vote for the winner of the People's Choice Award.
Each winner will receive a $50 prize.
Trolley riders will also be treated to Christmas music and songs as the trolley makes its way around Fort Scott.
A new addition this year will be a craft time for children that is scheduled to take place prior to each tour.
Families are invited to bring children into the chamber office 30 minutes prior to the trolley tour and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and let little ones design and create a Christmas ornament for the tree.
Also new this year, each rider will receive a glow necklace in his or her choice of red or green and a goody bag filled with treats.
"We're trying to add some things this year to encourage families to get out," Madison said.
Entry forms for the Light Up Fort Scott contest are available at the chamber office, 231 E. Wall St., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and also on the chamber's website, www.fortscott.com. Madison said there were seven entries in last year's contest but no entries have been received as of yet for this year's event.
Reservations may be made now for the Dolly HollyDay trolley tours and the cost is $7 for adults, and $5 for children 12 years of age and younger. Group reservations for friends, businesses, churches or other organizations may also be made.
To reserve the entire trolley for up to 22 people, the cost is $100.
Last year, there was a "good turnout" for the tours and several groups have already booked tours this year, Madison said.
For more information, call the chamber at (620) 223-3566.