Calling all Holiday Light Engineers! The El Paso County Fair & Events Center is hosting a Holiday Light Display Competition.
Sponsored by Mountain View Electric Association, the contest has four divisions that will vie for trophies and a cash prize.

The Christmas Light Competition event is being held in conjunction with the Calhan Christmas Parade of Lights, Town of Calhan and the El Paso County Fair & Event Center inaugural Calhan Country Christmas from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., on Saturday, December 15th, with events and entertainment for the entire family, including:

  • 6 p.m. Gates Open
  • 6 p.m. Hay Rides
  • 6 p.m. Live Nativity
  • 6 p.m. Colorado Springs Astronomical Society telescopes (weather permitting)
  • 8 p.m. Live music featuring the band Fire Line
  • 6 p.m. Strolling Carolers
  • 7 p.m. Parade of Lights (begins and ends at the Fairgrounds)
  • 8 p.m. Photo opportunity with Santa
  • 8 p.m. Refreshments

Four Divisions for prizes are: Best Business Display, Best Youth Group Display, Best Family Display and Best Individual Display. See Complete rules below.

A bull riding event will also take place in the Indoor Owens Livestock Arena at the Fairgrounds at 8:00 p.m.
Separate ticket purchase is required and seating is limited. Advance purchase is recommended.
Adults $10 6-12 $5 At the door are $2 more.

What: Calhan Country Christmas

Where: El Paso County Fair & Events Center 366 10th Street Calhan, CO 80808

When: Saturday, December 15th, 2018

Time: 6 p.m.-10 p.m.

Admission: Free

For more information on the Holiday Light Display Competition and the bull riding, please contact the El Paso County Fair and Events Center at (719) 520-7882.

Rules & Information Holiday Light Display Competition

2018 Calhan Country Christmas Holiday Light Display Competition

We’re turning the El Paso County Fair & Events Center into a magical wonderland. Bringing the joy of the holiday season to life with fabulous light displays that bring people from near and far!

  1. Participation is open to all.
  2. Entry is free.
  3. Contest is for exterior decorations only. No live animals may be used. No fires.
  4. Displays may be constructed from materials such as wire, wood, metal, plastic, cardboard, etc.
  5. Electricity is provided by the El Paso County Fair & Events Center- 20 amp maximum.
  6. 20’x50’ Space provided by El Paso County Fair & Events Center upon reservation.
  7. Entrants must provide their own equipment, tools, and UL approved extension cords.
  8. Displays will be assigned an entry number.
  9. Participants agree to have one or more photos and or videos of their display posted on the El Paso
    County Fair & Events Center website and Facebook page and that there will be no compensation of
    any kind for said posting or publication.
  10. The El Paso County Fair & Events Center staff will not assist with construction or installation.
  11. Entries must be completed and ready for judging by Friday, December 14th by 4:00 p.m.
  12. Participants should ensure that all lights, animations and decorations are in place and activated
    prior to the judging period and remain on until 10:30 p.m.
  13. Judging will take place at the El Paso County Fair & Events Center at 5:00 p.m.
  14. Entries will be judged on attractiveness, creativity, holiday spirit, and overall showmanship.
  15. The decisions of the judging committee are final. Judges are not able to participate.
  16. First, Second and Third Places will be awarded in each division.
  17. Divisions:
  • Best Business Display
  • Best Youth Group Display
  • Best Family Display
  • Best Open Display ( Open to all individuals/groups)

  1. The top three champion displays will be awarded a cash prize sponsored by Mountain View
    Electric Association. $100 for 1st place, $50 for 2nd place and $25 for 3rd place.
  2. Winners will be announced at 8:30p.m. in the Whittemore Building and need not be present.
  3. Displays may be removed from the El Paso County Fair & Events Center beginning Monday,
    December 17- Thursday, thru December 20, 2018 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
  4. All displays must be removed from the El Paso County Fair & Events Center no later than
    December 28, 2018.
  5. Be creative, be festive and have fun!