9th ANNUAL HOLIDAY DECORATING CONTEST
Registration: To compete in this contest, an entry form showing intent to participate must be completed, signed, and submitted to the OBA no later than November 26, 2021. Form may be mailed to the OBA at P. O. Box 1976, Oneonta, AL 35121, faxed to 205-625-0164, or completed here online. If you are unsure of your entry’s location at time of registration, you can leave that part blank and let us know no later than November 15, 2021.
Who Can Enter: Entrants do not have to be a member of the OBA to participate in the competition. There is no entry fee. Businesses, organizations, churches, clubs, school groups, and individuals may enter. There is only one category for awards. Entrants are responsible for finding their own locations to decorate.
Deadline for Decorating: Entries must be decorated and lit by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 26, 2021.
Location of Entries: Locations of entries must be in the business district of Oneonta, i.e., highways leading into the city, the downtown streets, and surrounding areas. All entries must be within the city limits of Oneonta. Registration cannot be accepted for entries located at residential homes not in a business zone. (We sponsor the Griswold Goodwill Tour of Homes competition!) Possible locations may include storefronts, store windows, buildings and structures, grounds, city entrances, sides of highways and streets (not on the right of way). Businesses might allow school groups or organizations to decorate for them. Entrants are fully responsible for gaining permission to decorate areas that belong to someone else, whether it be the City, a business, or property owner, etc. The OBA will not be responsible for making such contacts and/or arrangements.
Decorating Requirements: Entries will be judged on “curb appeal.” Indoor decorations will not be included in the judging unless they can be viewed from outside, i.e., windows, doors, etc. All entries must include lights/illumination and be in good taste and family-oriented. All entries must remain lit (during waking hours) and decorated from November 26 to January 1, to promote Oneonta as a holiday attraction and shopping destination. (Timers are highly encouraged to save energy. For example, lights on from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) Entrants should monitor their displays to make sure lights are working and properly maintained from November 26 to January 1.
Judging: A panel of three out-of-county judges with no ties to Oneonta or Blount County will examine all entries during evening hours on an unannounced date between December 1-12, 2021. The public will also vote for their favorites in an online gallery on the OBA’s Facebook page.
People’s Choice: Best of Show, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place
Judges’ Choice: Best of Show, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place
No interaction is allowed whatsoever with the judges should you be at your location when they come around. Do not greet them, do not invite them inside. No contact is allowed or you risk disqualification.
Announcement of Winners: Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 16, 6 p.m. at the Gazebo Green, 1st Avenue at 4th Street. Entries must have a representative present so that photos can be made.
Special Notice: Registration gives consent for entry photos to be featured in local media, OBA’s website, and social media. Entrants by the signature of their representative agree to defend, indemnify, and hold the OBA, its officers, officials, and volunteers harmless from any and all claims, injuries, damages, losses, or suits including attorney fees, arising out of or in connect with their participation in the 9th Annual Holiday Decorating Contest.
If submitting a printed form, please mail to:
OBA CHRISTMAS
P. O. BOX 1976
ONEONTA, AL 35121
Questions? Call the OBA at 205-813-7194 or email christmas@oneontabusinessassociation.com.
2021 Entries as of Today's Date
Register today to have your name on this list!
Simply Stunning Pageant, Prom, & More - 235 1st Avenue East
Simply Stunning Pageant, Prom, & More - 235 1st Avenue East
2020 Winners
People's Choice: TLC Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Clark Griswold Award: Hammer’s Department Store
Best Festival of Lights Theme: Amaryllis Club
Most Creative: Provence Gifts
Best Use of Merchandise: The Corner Pocket
Most Original: Grapes & Hops
Most “Oneonta” – Oneonta Fire & Rescue Service
Best of Show: TLC Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Clark Griswold Award: Hammer’s Department Store
Best Festival of Lights Theme: Amaryllis Club
Most Creative: Provence Gifts
Best Use of Merchandise: The Corner Pocket
Most Original: Grapes & Hops
Most “Oneonta” – Oneonta Fire & Rescue Service
Best of Show: TLC Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
