Enjoy decorating for Christmas? Live or own a business in the downtown district?

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is looking for residents and businesses to participate in its Holiday Decorating Contest.

All it takes is a commitment to decorate a window or facade to create a festive atmosphere for people who will be visiting the community December 5 and 6 for the Old Fashioned Holidays and the Tour of Homes.

The theme this year is “Old Fashioned Holidays,” according to a DDA flyer announcing the event. Participants may use their favorite holiday movie, song, treat or tradition as inspiration for their display.

Deadline for entering is Tuesday by 5 p.m.

“We’re hoping people will participate in order to make downtown more festive for the holidays,” said Donna Crawford, who chairs the DDA Design Committee.

Residents who live along the Tour of Homes routes are encouraged to decorate their homes, as well as businesses downtown, Crawford said.

Prizes will be awarded to businesses and homes, which all should be decorated by December 4, when they will be judged. The DDA Design Committee will conduct the judging December 4 between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

The awards for businesses are Best of Show, Best Use of Light and Most Creative. Residents may win Best of Show and Best Use of Lights.

Winners will be announced by the mayor immediately before the tree lighting ceremony on O’Neal Plaza at 6 p.m. Saturday, December 5.

In addition to the awards, winners will receive designation signs for display as well as prize packages, Winning businesses will receive a newspaper advertisement and residents will get gift cards to local establishments and gift baskets, Crawford said. Every business that participates will get free advertising, she added.

Crawford said the committee has already received some response, but would like to see more participation. There are some benefits, she said.

“It will encourage foot traffic downtown and get people to walk by and take a look,” she said.

Anyone who would like to participate may obtain an entry form from the DDA, in care of Broad Street Gifts, 6694 Broad Street, or download an application at www.downtowndouglasville.org.