Photo by Deb Gau Santa’s sleigh and a reindeer stable were part of the “North Pole Christmas” decorating theme outside 603 Donita Avenue in Marshall.

MARSHALL — Marshall area residents have been getting into the spirit of the holidays by decorating their homes and yards – and they’re helping raise money for charity too.

As of Friday, more than 300 votes have been cast in the second annual Colors of Winter holiday home decorating contest.

It’s been good to see the response that the contest has received, said Brock Klaith of Marshall Festivals, which organizes Sounds of Summer as well as the Colors of Winter contest.

“It’s cool to see how the community supports us, not only in the summer,” Klaith said.

This year, a total of 11 homes around Marshall are taking part in the decorating contest. The houses featured have different kinds of displays, from twinkling lights to inflatable characters and a classic Nativity scene.

“We kind of went a different route for voting,” for this year’s contest, Klaith said. Community members can purchase votes online for their favorite house, with the proceeds going to Lyon County Heart to Heart and Toys for Tots. The three houses that raise the most money will win first, second and third place in the contest.

Nonprofits like Heart to Heart and Toys for Tots were a good fit for the contest donations because they do a lot for the local community, Klaith said.

“It’s kind of a win-win for everyone,” he said.

The public can vote in the Colors of Winter contest online at https://visitmarshallmn.com/sounds-of-summer/. Voting will be open through Friday, and winners will be announced the week of Dec. 29.