City kicks off holiday decor contest
Let the holiday season of celebration begin in Fortuna. A citywide holiday dazzle decorating contest for both residents and businesses is now underway, a project made possible by a partnership of the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce, the city of Fortuna and Fortuna Kiwanis Club.
“I’ve always loved driving around, looking at lighted houses and businesses during the holiday season,” said Fortuna Chamber Chief Executive Officer Renee Lindsay. “So, when (Mayor) Sue Long brought up the idea of having a citywide contest, I was all in.”
“I think we’ve all had our ups and downs this year and felt that Fortuna could use some holiday cheer,” Lindsay added.
Long said the idea was to improve the season for local residents.
“With all of the things and events that have been canceled this year, Fortuna wanted to bring a little extra Christmas spirit to our families and children,” Long said. “A member of the public contacted me to get the idea started.”
Residents and businesses in Fortuna will need to have their home or business decorated by Dec. 13. Then from Dec. 14 through Dec. 23, the public will vote online for best decorated. Winners will be announced Dec. 24 on the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Winners will also be contacted by email.
Entries must include a photo of the decorations and can be submitted online at fortunachamber. com/dazzle. Residential and commercial decorations will be judged in two separate categories, and entries are limited to one per residence or business address.
Each decorated residence will be eligible to win one of three prizes: $1,000 for first place, $750 for second place, or $ 500 for third place. Each decorated
business will be eligible to win one of three prizes: $500 for first place, $250 for second place, or $100 for third place. Prizes may be a combination of cash and gift certificates.
Long described the contest as a “fun, safe, citywide event that can be enjoyed by all. Hopefully, it will also bring out the competitive side that many of our residents have to create a spectacular show of lights and decorations,” she added. “I’m looking forward to taking my grandkids out for a dazzling evening to vote for their favorites.”
Holiday dazzle contest prize sponsors are Edge Caliber, Ikigai Physician Group, Crystal Lewis State Farm Insurance, Six Rivers Property Management, Fortuna Business Improvement District, Lost Coast Wizards, Redwood Capital Bank, Cornerstone Realty, Beacom Construction, Fortuna Sunrise Rotary, Fortuna Kiwanis Club, Landmark Realty, Rocha’s Automotive, Wendt Construction, and City of Fortuna.