LONG BEACH, CA (Oct. 17, 2024) – The Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DTLB Alliance) is thrilled to announce the opening of registration for the Illuminate Downtown holiday storefront decorating contest! Downtown businesses are invited to light up Downtown Long Beach with creative and vibrant displays, spreading holiday cheer while competing for a chance to win exciting prizes and support a local charity.
The Illuminate Downtown contest encourages businesses to contribute to the magical holiday atmosphere that already lights up downtown, thanks to existing decorations from the DTLB Alliance, Shoreline Village, The Pike Outlets and the Long Beach Convention Center. Now, it’s the community’s turn to enhance the charm of downtown and attract more visitors by making their storefronts shine this season.
“We’re excited to bring the Illuminate Downtown contest back for another year, giving our local businesses an opportunity to truly shine during the holidays,” said DTLB Alliance President & CEO, Austin Metoyer. “This contest is more than just a fun way to brighten up the neighborhood. It’s a chance for businesses to increase their visibility, engage with the community, bring a little holiday cheer, and give back to local nonprofits that are doing amazing work in Long Beach. We can’t wait to see how creative our downtown businesses will get!”
In 2023, there were 18 participating businesses and four winners including Caravana Furniture, Modica’s Restaurant and Deli, Stinkin’ Crawfish and Wildflower Beauty + Brows. Winning businesses were able to share their success with a local nonprofit, which last year included organizations like Sowing Seeds of Change and the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Why Should Businesses Participate?
- Ignite the Festive Spirit: Businesses can bring the joy of the season to life by decorating their storefront or building in a dazzling display of lights, decorations, and holiday magic.
- Increase Visibility: Get featured! The DTLB Alliance and organizing partners will showcase participating businesses across social media and websites throughout the holiday season, giving DTLB businesses the spotlight.
- Give Back: In the spirit of giving, participants will select a Long Beach-based 501(c)(3) non-profit to support. Winners will receive a $250 donation to their chosen non-profit and a $250 gift card giveaway toward their business, totaling $500 in winnings!
How It Works:
- Register Early / Decorations Deadline: Businesses are encouraged to register and be decorated before Public Voting opens on Thursday, Nov. 21 and Shop Small Saturday on Nov. 30. Registrations will be accepted through Monday, Dec. 2.
- Deck the Halls: Businesses can bring their storefronts to life with creative lighting, festive decorations, and unique design elements to impress the community and the judges.
- Promote the Public Vote: Public voting begins on Nov. 21, so the earlier businesses complete their decorations, the more time the public has to vote.
- Win Big: Four winners will be announced during the week of Dec. 9. Three winners will be selected by a panel of judges, while the public will choose one winner through online voting.
This contest is the perfect opportunity for businesses to engage with the local community, spread holiday cheer, and show their creative side while giving back. To register and learn more about the contest, DTLB businesses can visit the Alliance’s website at https://downtownlongbeach.org/decorating-contest/.
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About: The Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DTLB Alliance) is a nonprofit, community-based organization whose mission is to cultivate, preserve and promote a healthy, safe, and prosperous Downtown. The DTLB Alliance is recognized as the voice of Downtown Long Beach by the City of Long Beach and the State of California. By balancing the interests of the residents, as well as businesses, the organization creates tangible progress by way of vested interest and solidified partnerships across local, municipal, and commercial lines. For additional information, visit www.downtownlongbeach.org and follow on Facebook @downtownlongbeach, on “X” (formerly Twitter) @dtlballiance and Instagram @dtlballiance.