RICHMOND, Ky. — Christmas lights are lining the streets and bringing holiday joy to Kentuckians living in the Bay Colony Neighborhood in Richmond, Ky.

Every year the community hosts a Christmas light decoration competition for neighbors to compete in. Homeowners throughout the community decorate and encourage their fellow Kentuckians to drive through the neighborhood to view the light show.

With an increase of families staying home for the holidays, the Bay Colony saw an increase in the amount of houses participating in the competition this year.

One community member, Steve Morgeson, said Christmas lights have always been a part of his family's traditions, and that’s why he continues to participate this year.

“It's one of the fun things we like to do, and we get out and go look at all the lights, and not only in our neighborhood. But there's a lot of neighborhoods in Richmond,” Moregson said.

Morgeson said setting up lights this year with his family meant a lot, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the community has really come together to support one another during these tough times. 

“We've got some fresh competition this year and that may go with a lot of the pandemic. We have a lot more houses this year competing and lights. Of course you don't have to go big or huge like we like to do, you know just a handful of lights out makes you feel better and you get out look at your house have a little self pride and it's super fun and it's festive and warms your heart,” Morgeson said. 

The judges went around the neighborhood Saturday evening to decide the winners of this year's competition. The Morgeson family took second place this year.