Ocean Beach is lit up for the holidays since merchants began decorating their storefronts in early December in hopes of winning the title for the best holiday décor in the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association’s (OBMA) annual OB Holiday Storefront Decorating Contest. Votes were cast by the public, via Facebook, for the first time. “The social-media contest gave a chance for everyone who visits, lives in or loves OB to be involved in recognizing four [winning] businesses for their dedication to making OB a holiday wonderland at the beach,” said Denny Knox, executive director of OBMA.
The contest ran from Dec. 5-16, allowing Facebook users to vote for the merchants they felt best exemplified the use and spirit of holiday décor. Votes were tallied by the number of likes each photo received in OBMA’s Holiday Decorating Contest photo album. “We saw some of the highest participation ever this year, and so many of our merchants were deserving of awards. We appreciate each and every person who decorated, whether they entered the contest or not. It really helps make OB extra special this time of year,” Knox said. With 13 total contest entries, the Facebook voting drew more than 750 ballots. Annual OB Home Decorating Contest
Winners were also announced for the Ocean Beach Town Council’s annual OB Holiday Home Decorating Contest for 2013.
The winners were:
• Best Use of Lighting:
Colleen and Brian Clune, 4551 Narragansett Ave.
• Most Original Decoration:
Louise Olesen, 4729 thru 4739 Newport Ave.
• Judges Choice:
Kevin Harrington, 5074 Cape May Ave.