Vote For Best Holiday Decorated Homes, Businesses, Vehicles

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Cast your votes now in the Roundhouse Aquarium's "Light Up the Beach Cities" holiday decorations contest. The contest, a fundraiser so the Roundhouse can continue to use its marine science educational programs to benefit others, is in the voting phase through Sat., Dec. 19. A $10 donation is requested to cast a vote. Winners will be announced on Monday, Dec. 21.

The categories to vote in are:

Merry and Bright Business

Best overall business

Magical Winterland

Best at bringing the Winter spirit to SoCal

Holly Jolly Residence

Best overall residence

Holiday Whimsy

Brings laughter, humor and whimsical vibes

Best Overall

Best overall from all entries

Let it Sparkle

Best use of holiday lights

Jingle Jangle Wheels

Best and most festive vehicle [golf carts, cars, trucks, bicycles, motorcycles, etc.]

"Your $10 donation allows you to vote for one entry per category! Each entry is only eligible to win in one category, but can be voted for in multiple categories," according to the Roundhouse Aquarium's website.

Here's where you can vote online.

"In this extraordinary year, we wanted to find a safe way to celebrate the holidays where the community could also come together to support the Roundhouse Aquarium," said Grace Adams, OTS executive director.

"We hope to be able to continue and expand our education programs on ocean science into 2021 and beyond. We need the community's help to ensure that programs that inspire people of all ages to care for the oceans, tidelands and beaches continue.

"OTS [Oceanographic Teaching Stations, Inc., which manages and operates the Roundhouse Aquarium] pivoted its operations to convert our in-person programs at the Roundhouse Aquarium to virtual classes and distance learning initiatives to meet the needs of students and teachers who are learning and teaching from home. There is a continued need for our programs, whether they are in-person or virtual. We certainly hope to welcome everyone back to the Roundhouse once restrictions are lifted, but until then we are ready to continue serving students and our community through our distance learning initiatives," she added.

Sponsored by Edison International, all proceeds from the "Light Up the Beach Cities" fundraiser will support OTS' science-based education programs on the ocean, tidelands and beaches.