Clifton Mill’s holiday lights could finally win No. 1 in the U.S., if the Miami Valley helps

Credit: Bill Lackey

Credit: Bill Lackey

The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill could finally secure its spot as the No. 1 public lights display in the U.S. — with a little help from you.

Clifton Mill is once again on the list of contenders in the USA Today 10Best contest in the best public lights, holiday display category. Clifton Mill is the only nominee from Ohio.

To vote, people should visit 10best.com.

“The holidays are upon us,” states USA Today on its contest page. “10Best Local Experts and Editors have combed the nation for the 20 best, brightest and most beautiful holiday lights shows put on by neighborhoods, cities and parks, and now it’s your turn to help crown the winner of the title ‘Best Public Holiday Lights Display of 2020’.”

Clifton Mill has come close to first place twice, coming in at No. 3 in 2019 and No. 2 in 2018.

Online votes can be cast once per day until polls close on Dec. 7 at noon. The 10 winning displays will be announced on Friday, Dec. 18.

Tentatively — and in this instance, there is a real possibility these plans will change — the Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill will be on display daily from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. from Nov. 27 through Dec. 30. Gates will open at 5 p.m. Clifton Mill General Manager Jessica Noes said there is no guarantee the lights will open this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

If the display does open, there will be a limited number of guests permitted on the Mill’s grounds. Though reservations are not taken, guests will likely only need to wait a short while at the ticket booth for their turn to enter, Noes said. Admission is $10 per person for everyone age four and older. Children three and under are admitted at no charge.

And if those plans do change, that doesn’t mean that Clifton Mill’s legendary lights aren’t the number one public display of lights in the U.S., because the online contest/survey will go on, pandemic or not.

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