A nation-wide open call by A&E Network and production company Atlas Media is underway in search of small towns with enormous holiday spirit to compete in a holiday-themed, prime-time "reality contest" special currently entitled Ultimate Holiday Town USA.
An adrenaline-pumped, winter wonderland competition between pint-sized populations, Ultimate Holiday Town USA is a unique primetime special that will shine a spotlight on the seldom-seen, extraordinarily creative Holiday festivities that put small towns on the map. Based on their colorful personalities, ingenious displays, and holiday spirit, towns will be selected first as "Semi-Finalists," then "Finalists," until the panel of judges crowns one winning town the first-ever Ultimate Holiday Town USA. The program will follow each town's key players, capturing the behind-the-scenes hi-jinks and heartwarming stories as they pool their resources and fight the clock to create their one-of-a-kind brand of holiday magic.
All candidate towns must have a winter population not exceeding 50,000 residents, and must hold their major holiday celebrations on or before December 6, 2003. Entering is as easy as filling out an application form and a short questionnaire, and providing some visuals (video/photo) that capture their dynamic holiday spirit and legendary charm (eg from past holiday celebrations). Towns interested in entering the competition should contact Atlas Media. Applications must be received by October 22, 2003. All entries will be judged by A&E Network, Atlas Media Corp. and an advisory panel of judges in the categories of originality, holiday spirit, technical proficiency and creativity.
The ten finalists will be notified by early December. Ultimate Holiday Town USA is slated to air on the A&E Network in December 2003.