Holiday Lights Contest

The 30th Annual Old Towne Holiday Decorating Contest will light up the historic district on Saturday night, December 16 when Old Towne becomes a colorful holiday buffet of spectacular presentations in sight and sound. Home owners and businesses are urged to participate with street front decorations.

The contest is conducted by the Old Towne Preservation Association, and recognizes eight categories of exterior decorations including Most Beautiful, Most Old Fashioned, Best Use of Lights, Most Original, Most Whimsical, Best Commercial/Retail Decorations, and Best Block.  An Honorable Mention award is also given.

A panel of judges will tour Old Towne in the evening December 16 to select the best in each category.  This year’s judges are Orange Police Chief Tom Kisela, Disneyland show production veteran Joe Peters, and Plaza antique mall owner Dan Jensen.  Winners will be announced at 7:00 pm on Sunday, December 17 when the Orange High School Chamber Singers will carol on the winning block.

OTPA Holiday Decorating Contest chair Teri Lepe said winners receive a sign designating the winning category to post in front of their property.  “Over the years, we know that many families look forward to touring Old Towne to not only enjoy the winning presentations, but also experience an historic neighborhood full of incredible decorations.”

The public is invited to tip off the judges on their favorite decorations by emailing their nominations to [email protected].  Winning decorations will be photographed and posted on OTPA’s website, www.otpa.org on Sunday evening.

The Old Towne Preservation Association is a 32-year-old non-profit public service organization formed to preserve, protect and enhance the unique and historic character of Old Towne Orange, the largest residential Historic District in California with more than 1,400 homes built before 1940.