The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
‘ LIGHT FIGHT’
Residents participate in community holiday decorating contest
Oneida and the surrounding area is getting a whole lot brighter as residents compete in a friendly competition for the best outdoor lighting display.
The contest is hosted by married Oneida residents Rick and Nicole Rossi, who also organized the area’s first Halloween decorating contest earlier this year. According to the social media response and resident involvement, it was a big hit.
To continue the fun, the team is encouraging residents to showoff their decorating skills this holiday season for what they’re dubbing an “Annual Light Fight,” also Oneida’s first. The event won’t be centered on any one theme or holiday, really it’s all about the lights, Rick says. Decorators’ imaginations are welcome to run wild.
Local business sponsors including the Oneida Commons, Oneida Office Supply, The Blend, NYE Automotive Group, and the Oneida Barber Shop have donated gift cards to reward competitors who win third, second, and first place. The first- place winner will also receive a customized trophy to cherish their achievement. Local businesses looking to sponsor the contest can email oneidatimeforchange@ gmail. com for more information.
With COVID- 19 looming over everyone’smind, especially as cases spike after Thanksgiving, the upcoming major holiday season is filled with much stress and uncertainty. A contest such as this seems like a no- brainer right now, Rick said.
There’s nothing unsafe COVID- wise about decorating your own home and having people enjoy the display as they drive by, he said. This is a way for the community to participate in one collective, good- natured activity that both contestants and viewers can equally enjoy without fear of viral exposure.
Nearly a dozen homes have entered the competition, Rick said last week, and he hopes that number will only go up.
“I think with how successful the Halloween
[ contest] was— I think we had over 25 entries— I think people have really got out there and really decorated for Christmas. It looks very good around Oneida right now,” Rick commented. “It’s nice. I’d like people from other communities to want to bring their families to go drive around Oneida to see the lights,” he said, hoping that the tradition will grow in the future and become a real attraction.
Residents Jimand Kathy Dick, contestants in the Light Fight, said they are glad to see this opportunity in Oneida. They reflected on decades- old memories of seeing stores, homes, and whole communities get together to make the surroundings feel magical this time of year.
“On Thanksgiving night, on your trip home fromdinner with your family, or just piling into the car to see the lights, was special. The decorations and lights made it feel like something wonderful was about to happen,” the couple toldthedispatch.
Fearing that the holidays have lost their touch over the years due to technological hype and “corporate greed,” Jim and Kathy say they hope this light- hearted contest will help uplift people’s holiday spirit and inspire younger generations who may carry on the tradition.
“We all knowthat Christmas is not about decorating or lights,” they remarked. “... the lights and decorations bring smiles to our faces... and warm our hearts.” The Light Fight could help spark the same feelings community- wide and bring everyone a little closer this holiday season, they hope.
Residents have untildec. 21 to enter into the Light Fight by emailing their address to oneidatimeforchange@ gmail. com. Judging for the Light Fight will take place Dec. 23, at night, and the winners will be announced the following day, Christmas Eve.
During the Halloween contest, a panel of judges from the community, including Oneida Police Chief John Little, determined the winners. Rick is looking for more judges this time around and would especially like them to be important pillars in the community. Those who volunteer often, help those in need, or deserve a little extra holiday cheer are worthy candidates. To nominate a judge, send an email to oneidatimeforchange@ gmail. com.
“We can’t wait to see [ the lights]! I love how everyone can come together,” one resident wrote on the contest’s Facebook post.
The Oneida Parks and Rec Department is also hosting their own holiday competition involving ugly holiday sweaters. Residents can take pictures in their tacky outfits in different locations around Oneida to earn points. There is also a category for at- home family pictures. Check out the Parks and Rec Facebook page to learn more.