Long Beach, CA (November 6, 2023) – The Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DLBA) is excited to announce the launch of its holiday decor & lighting competition, Illuminate Downtown, inviting businesses in the downtown area to light up and decorate their storefronts or buildings in the spirit of the season. This competition doesn’t just illuminate the town — it also shines a spotlight on the essence of giving.
Downtown Long Beach is no stranger to festive decorations. Every holiday season, both DLBA and the Convention Center transform the downtown streets into a winter wonderland. This year, DLBA encourages local businesses to add their unique touch to this vibrant tradition. By participating, businesses can showcase their creativity, boost their visibility, and give back to the community in meaningful ways.
“This competition isn’t just about bringing festive cheer to Downtown Long Beach, it’s about fostering community spirit, promoting inclusivity, and embracing the true meaning of the season — giving,” emphasized DLBA president and CEO Austin Metoyer. “We’re calling on businesses to not only showcase their holiday spirit but also to champion causes they believe in. This fun and friendly competition is our way of celebrating the Season of Giving in a way that’s true to the heart of Long Beach.”
Reasons for Businesses to Participate:
- Festive Spirit: Illuminate and decorate to celebrate the season.
- Visibility: The DLBA, along with city partners, will feature participating businesses across social media and various websites.
- Give and Receive: Entrants select a Long Beach 501(c)(3) non-profit they wish to support. Winners will see a $500 donation made to their chosen charity and benefit from a $500 gift card giveaway hosted by DLBA.
Businesses should register by November 20, 2023 to get into the competition before Shop Small Saturday Late registrations will be accepted through Sunday, Dec. 10. Judging will be based on criteria that prioritize inclusivity, creativity, community collaboration, and local pride. While three winners will be chosen by judges, the public will also have a voice in selecting a favorite.
The winners, who not only stand a chance to gain increased visibility but also contribute positively to the community, will be announced the week of December 18. For more details, registration, and competition guidelines, please visit https://downtownlongbeach.org/decorating-contest/.
# # #
About the Downtown Long Beach Alliance: DLBA is a non-profit, community-based organization whose mission is to cultivate, preserve and promote a healthy, safe, and prosperous Downtown for all. By balancing the interests of the residents, as well as businesses, the DLBA creates tangible progress by way of vested interest and solidified partnerships across local, municipal, and commercial lines. For additional information, visit www.downtownlongbeach.org, or follow on Facebook @downtownlongbeach, and on X (formerly Twitter) @dlba and Instagram @dlba.