The Lunenburg County Historical Society is cooperating again with the Lunenburg County Administration Office in its search for a Christmas ornament that will represent Lunenburg County on the Executive Mansion tree in Richmond.

Last year’s winner was Linda Clark, of Victoria, whose ornament depicted the county’s historic 1827 courthouse in a snow scene hand-painted on a Christmas ball.

According to a press release, “this contest is being sponsored for a second time by the Virginia Association of Counties. Each locality is asked to submit one hand-crafted ornament that uniquely represents its locality.”

Because the deadline for submitting the winning Lunenburg ornament to Richmond is Nov. 1, the local deadline for submission is Oct. 23 at 4:30 p.m., according to the press release. “Ornaments should be submitted to the Lunenburg County Administration Office on the Courthouse Square at 11413 Courthouse Road, Lunenburg. …”

For more information, call (434) 696-2142.

According to the release, the judging to determine the Lunenburg winner will be done by professional artists in the area. Contestants should keep in mind that the judging will be based upon the following criteria.

• The ornament must be submitted by an adult (college-aged and above) who should reside in or nearby Lunenburg County. A children’s theme for the tree may be chosen in the future,

• Although there is no stated theme for the ornaments, the ornament should be specific to Lunenburg County and should depict something easily identified with the county.

• Preferred size of the ornament should be no larger than 6 inches.

• Shape and material are the artist/artisan’s choice, e.g., clay, glass, shells, fabric, wood, found objects, objects from nature, agricultural items, etc.

• The artist’s name and Lunenburg County should appear discreetly on the back or bottom of the ornament. The artist may decide whether to put the words “Lunenburg County” on the front of the ornament, although this is recommended.

• Purchased ornaments will be disqualified. The exception would be a purchased undecorated holiday ball with a hand-painted scene unique to Lunenburg County. Absolutely no battery-operated ornaments are allowed.

Questions may be addressed to the Executive Mansion at stacy.ellis@governor.virginia.gov

“The Executive Mansion will officially open for the holiday season on the evening of the Capitol Tree Lighting,” officials said in the release. “The tree will be available for viewing at that time as well as during normal tour hours. For more information about tours, visit https://executivemansion.virginia.gov/tours/.”