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John and Sharon Henning's home at 1032 David Road in Orcutt was lighted by their son Sean, an Azusa Pacific University student. Sean spends his Thanksgiving trips home to hang lights and displays. //Len Wood/Staff
It will be bigger.
It will be brighter.
At least that's what Santa Maria officials are expecting of this year's “Lights, Sights and Holiday Nights” competition.
Made possible by miles of twinkling lights, the contest, in its 10th year, pits neighbor against neighbor and merchant against merchant for the best outdoor holiday display.
Nominations of homes and businesses are being accepted by the city through Dec. 11, and judging is slated from 5:30 to
11 p.m. Dec. 13.
“It's been getting bigger every year,” said Rudy Gutierrez, with the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department.
Last year's event drew 150 entries, both business and residential, in Santa Maria and Orcutt, Gutierrez said.
There are seven categories for judging, and the winners in each receive not only bragging rights for the next year but also a plaque and recognition by the Santa Maria City Council.
Displays will judged in the following categories:
best decorated home
best decorated business
best use of craftsmanship
most inspirational
best block
most nostalgic
community spirit
“(It) gives the community an opportunity to nominate residences and businesses and brings the community together”, Gutierrez said, adding that over the years, it has remained a friendly competition.
Nominations in Santa Maria are judged by Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Commissioners and staff, and Orcutt entries are judged by the Santa Maria Valley Lions Club.
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