For the Madison Mayor’s Tree Decorating Contest in 2013, Madison Street Festival volunteers decorated their tree in blue, green and purple with photographs from the festival parade and of artists and crafts vendors. (RECORD PHOTO/GREGG PARKER)

MADISON – The time is approaching to unbox the tinsel and dust off the ornaments. Registration is open for the second annual Madison Mayor’s Tree Decorating Contest.

In 2013, Mayor Troy Trulock initiated the tradition for Christmas trees on the Village Green, just east of the Madison Gazebo.

“Whether you use the tree to express your creativity or promote your business, the decorating contest is a wonderful way to add charm to the holidays,” Trulock said last year.

Entry deadline is Nov. 9, and entry fee is $150. Registration forms are available at Dublin Park, City Hall and by visiting madisonal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7033.

Trees will be available for decoration on Nov. 15. “The trees must be decorated no later than noon on Nov. 22,” city event and volunteer coordinator Gayle Milam said.

Contestants will receive one six-foot live tree, one outlet strip and extension cord, signage and fencing.

The official tree lighting is scheduled for Nov. 22 at approximately 6 p.m. The trees will be lighted after the children’s Lantern Parade, sponsored by Madison Arts Council. The Lantern Parade will start at Clay House at 16 Main St. and proceed to the gazebo area.

The tree decorators will vie for awards in categories for “Most Creative,” “Most Whimsical,” “Most Sophisticated,” “Mayor’s Choice,” “People’s Choice” and honorable mention.

“Voting for the People’s Choice will be held from Nov. 23 through Dec. 11,” Milam said. “Voting cards will be placed in various businesses in downtown Madison, City Hall and Dublin Park,” Milam said.

In 2013, the tree decorated by Petz Sitters held bright decorations and photographs of their four-legged clients. Madison Street Festival’s tree used royal blues, Grinch greens and luscious purples to accentuate photos of the festival parade, Bob Jones and James Clemens high school marching bands, artists and crafts vendors.

Madison First Church of the Nazarene’s patriotic tree used a red-white-and-blue scheme with dozens of American flags, banners and soldiers’ uniform patches.

For more information, call Milam at 256-772-2557 or email to gayle.milam@madisonal.gov.