Long Valley Gearing Up For 'Holiday Light Fight’

LONG VALLEY, NJ — In the spirit of character Clark Griswold of “Christmas Vacation” fame, the most creatively and festive-looking homes and businesses can be in the running for recognition and prizes for holiday decorations this year.

Washington Township Recreation is hosting its second annual Holiday Home Decorating Contest, which Mayor Matt Murello referred to as the “Holiday Light Fight.”

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“We had so much fun last year,” Murello wrote to his social media followers, “and I hope we can get even more homes and businesses to participate in 2021.”

Murello gave a shout out to those who may like to participate to “dig out your holiday lights, trees, reindeer and decorations” for the second yearly contest.

Here’s how to get involved in the contest, which has no entry fee:

• Residents or businesses in Long Valley and Washington Township that would like to participate, need to register their home or business by Monday, Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. The form is here and it can be faxed to 908-876-0029, emailed to recreation@wtmorris.net or mailed to Washington Township Recreation at 50 Rock Road, Long Valley, NJ 07853.
• Judging will be for decorations on the outside and front of the properties only, as well as windows that are visible from outside.
• Judging will take place between dusk to 8 p.m. on Dec. 6 through 8.
• “All lights, animations and decorations” need to be “in place and activated for the judging periods on all days,” according to the rules.
• Participants need to agree that their residences or businesses may be included on township social media accounts or Washington Township's website.
• Judges will pick homes or businesses in the following categories:

1. Most beautiful-elegant, exquisite, stunning
2. Most traditional, meaning classic or original
3. The best neighborhood display or a street that collaborated together on their decor
4. The most creative display that is “inventive” or “ingenious”
5. The “Holiday Spirit” display, capturing “holiday warmth, essence.”
6. The “Clark Griswold Award” that can be seen “from outer space.”
7. The “Mayor’s Award”
8. A category for commercial businesses “most festive”

• The award ceremony is planned on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. at Rock Spring Park, with winners needing a representative at the event that day.
• Winners will receive a prize and special yard sign.

To get into the spirit of the season, see the clip below of Chevy Chase lighting up the neighborhood as Clark Griswold in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation:

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.