Planning a holiday light decorating contest may seem daunting, but there are a few steps you can take to ensure success. Begin by determining eligibility and entry requirements, the categories of the contest, and who/how judging will take place. If you have the budget, consider monetary prizes like cash or gift cards for the winners. It is also important to effectively communicate the contest weeks before judging day to ensure all neighborhood members have time to prepare.
If you are thinking about bringing holiday cheer to your neighborhood, consider a holiday light contest! Planning a holiday light contest may seem stressful, but it is not difficult and can be a way of bringing the community together. Following the steps below can help ensure a safe, reliable, and fun experience for all those wishing to participate.
- Determine Eligibility & Requirements: Who can participate in the contest? If your HOA community has renters, are they included in the invite? Additionally, establish requirements for participants. Examples include no loud music and lights being visible from the street.
- Categories: Having multiple categories helps encourage creativity and participation. Here are some examples of categories:
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- Best Overall
- Best Theme
- Most Colorful
- Most Creative
There can also be multiple winners for each theme if there is a large number of participants, or if you want to keep it to one category.
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- Judging/Voting: Who are the judges for the contest? While some associations have the board of directors be the judges, others have community members vote for their favorites. If you choose the latter, have a clear way for neighbors to deliver their votes. This can be an online form (most favorited), a paper ballot, or even a simple email.
- Prizes: If your association has the budget, consider monetary prizes, such as gift cards, for the winners. If your association does not have the funds, bragging rights are perfectly fine! Acknowledge the winners through an email, newsletter, or social media post to award their efforts.
- Timeline: After determining the eligibility, categories, judges, and prizes, it is now time to establish the most important part: the timeline! Giving your association members ample of time to decorate and submit their votes (if applicable) is crucial for fair participation. It is recommended that initial notice of the contest be sent in November, with judging beginning early to mid-December. This gives participants enough time to put up their lights and inflatables before the hectic season.
- Important Reminders: When delivering communication about the event, mention important safety practices for those participating. Encourage homeowners to stay on sidewalks while looking at the decorations and to respect each other’s property. Stay safe while spreading holiday cheer!
While planning any event around the holidays may be difficult, a holiday light contest does most of the work for you! Homeowners can creatively express their holiday spirit at a competitive pace with their neighbors. Planning the small details before the holidays, such as the outline of the contest, will help homeowners stay on track and keep your neighborhood festive.
Interested in an HOA management company to help out? Try Jellybird HOA Management today!
