It’s Christmas time again — the season when homes glow, trees sparkle, and hearts shine a little brighter. And for so many in Sneads Ferry, no place once shined brighter than the Henderson home on Winery Road.

For more than a decade, Ernie Henderson transformed his yard into a dazzling wonderland of Christmas cheer. Each year, families gathered to marvel at the lights, take photos, and share smiles. Ernie himself, often dressed in his Santa gear, greeted visitors with warmth and joy — spreading the true spirit of the season.
For many, visiting Ernie’s lights became a beloved holiday tradition, a reminder of how one person’s joy could brighten an entire community.

Ernie is no longer shining his light on earth, but has moved on to be a bright light in the heavens. This year, we invite everyone to carry on his legacy and keep his Christmas spirit glowing across Sneads Ferry and beyond.

✨ Shine Bright for Ernie by decorating your home, business, or organization with Christmas lights and sharing your display with us! Submit your photos and nominations, and let’s fill our town with light, love, and the joy Ernie gave so freely.

Let’s honor this local legend by continuing what he started — spreading the sparkle, laughter, and warmth of the season.
Join us as we make #ShineBrightForErnie a tradition that lives on for years to come.

How To Participate:

1. Submit a minimum of 2 photos of different angles (3 is even better!) **Please note that if you are nominating on behalf of someone else - you must have their permission**
2. Lights can be in the yard or on home (or both!)
3. Submissions will be reviewed and the finalists will be picked on Dec 16.
4. December 17-22 everyone is invited to vote! We will share the finalists online and ask the community to choose our winner.
5. Winner is announced December 23

Conditions:

1. 1. Must agree to allow photo use on our business social platforms and website.
   2. Must provide contact information including cell, email, and physical address. 
   3. Encouraged to use #ShineBrightForErnie on your own social media to spread the cheer!

Prizes:

1. First Place Winner Receives 🎁 $500 Visa Gift Card 🎁 Better Homes & Gardens cookbook 🎁 1 year subscription to Better Homes and Gardens Magazine
2. Second Place Winner Receives 🎁 $100 Visa Gift Card 🎁 Better Homes & Gardens cookbook 🎁 1 year subscription to Better Homes and Gardens Magazine
3. Third Place Winner Receives 🎁 $50 Visa Gift Card 🎁 Better Homes & Gardens cookbook 🎁 1 year subscription to Better Homes and Gardens Magazine

$500 will be donated Share The Table in Ernie's name.