Maricopa lights up for the holidays

Voting started Monday for Maricopa’s annual Holiday Homes & Businesses on Parade.

Residences are alight with holiday décor, giant reindeer, inflatable snowmen, various incarnations of Santa, nativities and, of course, strands and strands of lights.

Thirty-one homes and three businesses are on the “Parade” map. Prizes will be awarded in five categories. The event is an effort to engage all neighborhoods in the holiday spirit. Everyone is invited to follow the map and find the contestants. In doing so, they will also come across some spectacular holiday lights at other homes not even competing.

With the city council’s re-authorization of the Holiday Signage Program, businesses are also able to compete. The special permit is meant to support economic growth by helping local businesses gain notice by displaying additional signs and decorations for free.

Vote for your favorites online through Dec. 18.

Categories include Best Theme, Best Light Show, Best Use of Color and Best Business. The Resident’s’ Choice award is a $100 gift card to Unique Toys and Hobbies and a $50 cash prize. The prize for Best on Parade is $150 cash.

Winners in the business category receive a banner permit fee waiver for six months.

The holiday signage program that allows businesses to compete is in effect through Jan. 5 in all industrial/commercial business zones (CB-1, CB-2, Cl-1 and Cl-2).

Signs are not allowed to impede traffic or visibility and should meet other requirements of the city sign code. For more information, call Maricopa’s Planning Division at 520-316-6920 or visit Maricopa-az.gov.