Once again this year, Suffolk’s tourism department is sponsoring a friendly holiday display competition designed to bring out the most creative and innovative downtown elves.

As a way of attracting customers and making downtown more welcoming to holiday visitors, the department is encouraging all downtown merchants and businesses to illuminate and decorate their storefronts and buildings.

A panel of judges will score the efforts of each participating business after sunset on Dec. 3, and the winners will be announced at the Downtown Suffolk Holiday Parade Dec. 13. Plaques will be presented for first, second and third places. Certificates will be awarded for honorable mentions.

Judging will be based on creativity, illumination, inclusion of the theme and overall holiday spirit.

This year’s theme is “Christmas on the Nansemond,” so plan accordingly. Keep in mind the importance of the Nansemond River to Suffolk’s recreation, history, culture, commerce and so forth. Also, remember that 2008 marks Suffolk’s 400th anniversary.

In addition to joining the decorating fun, if you would like to open your business for special evening hours to encourage holiday shopping, offering incentives or just cookies, let the tourism department know, and representatives will post your information on the Suffolk Municipal Channel and on the Suffolk-Fun.com website.

Fore more information, contact Theresa Earles at 514-4132 or via e-mail at Tearles@city.suffolk.va.us.