Judging is now underway for Tamaqua’s 2018 Little Miss Spirit of Christmas contest, which is open to girls in grades 3 to 5 who live within the Tamaqua Area School District.

The contest is part of the 23rd Annual Spirit of Christmas Festival, which will be held from Nov. 28 through Dec. 2.

Seven girls have submitted entries in this year’s contest: Lilyanne Hess, West Penn Elementary School; Audrey Job, Tamaqua Elementary School; Chloe Jones, Tamaqua Elementary School; Nia Kovalchick, Tamaqua Elementary School; Hannah Miller, Tamaqua Elementary School; Destiny Steinmetz, Tamaqua Elementary School; and Makayla Whittaker, St. Jerome Regional School.

Each contestant has submitted a photo and essay, which are on display at Wells Fargo Bank in Tamaqua. They will remain on display through Nov. 16. Ballots are available for a $1 donation. Proceeds benefit the annual festival, which is sponsored by the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership.

The newly crowned Little Miss Spirit of Christmas will take part in several of the Christmas festival activities, and all girls will be able to participate in the Santa Parade on Nov. 30.

Last year’s winner was Ava Jones of Tamaqua.

Unlike political elections, it’s perfectly permissible to vote early and often for the Little Miss Spirit of Christmas.