Eligibility

The contest is open to individuals, families, households businesses, daycares, and childhood organizations within Essex County. Participants must have a decorated Christmas-themed house, yard, or display visible from the street. Each participant is eligible to submit only one entry.

Entry Guidelines: Entry Fee: A $25 non-refundable fee is required to enter the contest. All entry fees go towards TheVillage’s Summer Fund. Registration Deadline: All entry tickets must be purchased representing your registration by December 24, 2024

Submission Requirements: Participants must upload at least 3 photos and or a short video (30 seconds to 1 minute) of their decorated house, including daytime and nighttime views via email to ceo@thevillagemate.com .

Theme and Creativity

Holiday Spirit: Decor should embody the joy and warmth of the holiday season. This could include classic Christmas themes, such as Winter Wonderland, Santa’s Workshop, or Christmas Candyland.
Creativity: Use original, imaginative ideas. Displays that showcase unique holiday elements, creative light arrangements, and festive colors are highly encouraged.
Overall Aesthetic: While bright and eye-catching decor is welcome, decorations should be tasteful and cohesive to create a magical holiday ambiance for visitors of all ages.

Interactive Elements (Optional, but Encouraged)

Participants are encouraged to create an experience beyond traditional decor. Optional interactive elements include:
- Toy Giveaway: Set up a station where kids can receive a holiday treat or small toy.
- Photo Opportunity: Include a designated photo area for families, such as a backdrop or Santa’s chair for memorable holiday snapshots.
- Live Caroling: Arrange for carolers to perform on certain evenings, adding a festive soundtrack to the scene.

Lighting and Safety

Illumination: Use lights to make the display vibrant and visible in the evenings. LED lights are recommended for energy efficiency.
Visibility and Access: Ensure pathways and display areas are well-lit and safe for pedestrians, especially in high-traffic areas.
Safety First: Decorations must not interfere with walkways, roadways, or any public spaces, and should not create any tripping or fire hazards.

Community Respect

Noise Levels: Keep music or caroling at a respectful volume so as not to disturb neighbors.
Appropriateness: All decorations must be family-friendly, with no offensive or inappropriate content.
Courtesy: Decor should not interfere with neighbors' property or obstruct public areas. Clean up any decorations that might blow into neighboring yards.

Timing

Set-Up and Display Dates: Participants must complete their setups by December 24, 2024 and ensure displays are lit and ready for judging by December 24, 2024. Any specific event display dates should be communicated to judges. Votes will begin December 5, 2024

Judging Criteria

Originality and Creativity: Unique and imaginative setups will earn extra points.
Overall Holiday Spirit: Displays that embody the essence of Christmas and spread holiday cheer.
Interactivity and Community Engagement: Points are given for elements that encourage community participation, such as toy giveaways, photo spots, or caroling.
Safety and Accessibility: Displays should be safe for all visitors and accessible to everyone in the neighborhood.

Judging and Prizes

Judging Date: Judging will take place through December 24, 2024. Make sure all lights and interactive elements are operational during this period.
Winner Announcement:: Winners will be announced on Christmas Day via TheVillage’s website and social media channels.
The winner will have the option to:

- Refer a family who will automatically qualify as a Summer Fund recipient.

- Select a current applicant to receive the Summer Fund support.

- Choose a daycare camp to fund, allowing the daycare to select a family to benefit.

Contest Terms & Conditions: All participants agree to allow TheVillage to use their submitted photos and videos for promotional purposes, including social media, website, and other media. Entry fees are non-refundable, and all proceeds go toward TheVillage's Summer Fund initiative. By participating, entrants agree to comply with all contest rules. Failure to follow the rules may result in disqualification without refund.

Summer Funded - Best Christmas Curb