The Atlantic Area Chamber’s Annual Scrooge Contest is underway during the month of November. Eleanor Hoover organized the contest back in 2002 just one year after the inaugural Lighted Parade. The Scrooge contestants raise money and collect non-perishable food items for the Atlantic Food Pantry. The 2018 candidates include: Rob & Sonya Clausen, McDermott & Son Roofing; Brad Willrich, Deter Motor Company; Deb Schuler, Smith Land Service, Mark Smith, Principal and Brett Altman, CCHS. Hoover says “Candidates can choose any method they want in collecting their points. In the past, candidates have hosted soup suppers and put pictures and boxes in local businesses to collect food donations.”

Contestants are responsible for collecting and submitting their points to the Chamber by November 30^th at noon. The contestant with the most points will be named Scrooge and all proceeds will benefit the Atlantic Food Pantry. Winner of the Scrooge Contest serves as the Grand Marshal in the Lighted Parade on December 1^st at 6 PM in Downtown Atlantic. Cash donations are worth one point on the dollar and two non-perishable items earn the contestants one point. Past Scrooge titles have been awarded to: Mary Ann Moorman 2007, Dana Halder 2008, Tammy Wise & Janet Huey 2009, Ritchie Anderson 2010, Janet Cappel 2011, Melanie Petty 2012, David Miller 2013, Mark McNees 2014, Ted Robinson 2015, Jon Johnson 2016 and Rob Stamp 2017.

Hoover said the Scrooge title is used because, “Contestants find the meaning of Christmas by giving to others,” explaining that is the real honor of being named Scrooge. “Therefore, I am hoping that together as a community we will assist the contestants to provide many neighbors and friends the same joy of having a meal to celebrate the holidays.” The contest will run now to November 30^th. Donations to a contestant can be made by delivering food or funds to their drop off locations or the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce.  For more information please call the Chamber at 712.243.3017 or email chamber@atlanticiowa.com.

Pick up your Christmas Brochure from area retail businesses, like the Chamber on Facebook or follow on Twitter to find dates and details to celebrate Christmas in Atlantic. You can find a complete list of activities at www.atlanticiowa.com. Capture the Christmas magic with #MyAtlanticIA and post to the Atlantic Area Chamber’s Facebook page or Instagram (AtlanticIowaFan). Contact the Atlantic Area Chamber with any questions at chamber@atlanticiowa.com or call 712.243.3017. Christmas in Atlantic is presented by TS Bank.