Long Beach Holding First City-Wide Halloween Decorating Contest

LONG BEACH, NY — The Long Beach Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the city and the Long Beach Arts Council to create the first Beyond The Beach Fall Celebration. The community-wide event will feature deals with local businesses and restaurants, as well as a city-spanning Halloween decorating contest.

From Oct. 23 through 25, the city will be filled with the colors of fall, as well as special events. There will be a shopping Fall Crawl at participating businesses, takeouts and trials at participating restaurants and bars, arts around the city and the First Annual Halloween House/Balcony Decorating Contest.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the Chamber and Arts Council on what we know is going to be a fun and unique experience.” said Long Beach City Council President John Bendo. “In these challenging times, this is a safe and enjoyable way to support our businesses and show off all the elements of our city that make Long Beach such a great place to live, work, and play.”

The goal of the weekend-long event is to bring the community together with a unique experience. There will be sales at local businesses, special food and drink menus from restaurants, visual art exhibits, traveling minstrels and other performances. And it will be topped off with some of the most amazing home decorations in the city, which residents will be able to tour.

Those wishing to participate in the house/balcony decorating contest can sign up by clicking here. There will be a digital map showing the location of all entrants, so residents can tour the city to see them all.

Awards will be given out in five categories:

• Best Balcony Decor (for apartments with street-facing balconies)
• Best Special Effects
• Best Overall Theme
• People's Choice
• Judge's Favorite

Residents are encouraged to stay in their cars when taking in the decorations.

“We are excited to showcase all Long Beach has to offer after the summer season," said Chamber Chairman Ian Danby. "These few days will be a safe fun way for everyone to enjoy the creativity of our neighbors and artists, sample the delights of our bistros and taverns and take advantage of all the specials our businesses will be offering.”

For more information about the weekend, or to review a detailed list of the Safety Regulations, visit www.thelongbeachchamber.com/BTB;