Seasonal & Holidays
Bowie House Decorating Contest 2019: How To Enter, Preview
It's time for one of Bowie's most anticipated events: the Holiday House Decorating Contest.
![It's time for one of Bowie's most anticipated events: the Holiday House Decorating Contest.](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/22877169/20191204/025251/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-42979057___04145221875.jpg)
BOWIE, MD β Now that December has arrived, it's time to focus on the one competition that truly matters: the Bowie Holiday House Decorating Contest.
The annual tradition invites Bowie residents to go all-out and decorate their homes, which will be judged based on creativity, appearance, and effort.
Here is everything you need to know about the contest:
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WHAT: The 2019 Bowie Holiday House Decorating Contest
WHERE: All over Bowie
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WHEN: Dec. 11, 6-11 p.m.
PRIZES: Contestants are eligible to win the following prizes:
- Pirmohamed Family Award: $100 for incorporating methods that involve children and family interaction
- Mateik-Pitts Family Award: $100 for best first-time entries
- Best of Bowie Awards: White House Ornament
- Bowie Spirit Awards: City of Bowie Centennial Ornament
DEADLINE: You must have your registration form submitted by Monday, Dec. 9, at 5 p.m. Judging will take place from 6-11 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11.
OTHER DETAILS: Entrants will designate one of three categories: traditional (colored or white lights, Santa Claus, etc.); religious (of any denomination); and colonial (candles in the windows, greenery, white lights, the Williamsburg look).
CONTEST RULES: All contestants must adhere to the following rules:
- Home must be located within the Bowie City limits (check with the city if you're not sure)
- Contest is limited to what can be seen from the street side of the house at night.
- People and live animals are not allowed as part of the display.
- All participants are requested to keep their houses decorated through Dec. 31 so the Community may view and enjoy them.
- Entry deadline is Monday, Dec. 9, at 5 p.m.
- Judging is on Wednesday, Dec. 11, between 6-11 p.m.
- Winners will be notified by phone on Friday, Dec. 13.
- Judges' decisions are final.
- Awards will be given out at the Holiday Awards Reception on Monday, December 16, 2019, 7:00 p.m.
- All contest entrants are invited and encouraged to attend.
If you have any questions, call Bowie City Hall at 301-809-3078.
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