Rich Schmitt/Staff Photographer
By LILY TINOCO | Reporter
Local real estate agents Joan Sather and Susan Montgomery have invited the community to participate in the 2021 PAPA Patriotic Home Decorating Contest, a popular tradition that invites residents to adorn their homes with flags and other patriotic displays.
The duo have been colleagues for more than 20 years and have organized the contest together for about five years.
“There is a lot of coordination and people don’t realize what goes into putting together an event like this,” Montgomery said to the Palisadian-Post. “It’s better with two, so we can divide and conquer.”
Sather and Montgomery said the best part of the contest is the excitement from the community: from seniors, adults and children alike.
“The joy of realizing how hard people have worked to create a look in their front yard, and then when we tell them they have won, they’re just so ecstatic,” Sather shared. “I think the joy on their faces is just so wonderful, they’re thrilled.”
Last year, due to COVID-19, judges had to visit each home individually in separate cars, whereas judging is usually conducted by the team on a golf court. The two shared they are happy to return to normal this year, and make their rounds with Rob Weber and honorary mayors of Pacific Palisades. Judging will take place on Saturday, July 3.
“The reason we do it on the third is we want to give everybody maximum chance to get their home decorated and get their picture in,” Montgomery said.
The duo said they usually end up with anywhere between 25 to 30 homes to judge, from the Highlands to Castellammare—so long as it falls within 90272.
“It’s fun to see, year after year, the same people who love to decorate and follow different themes,” Sather said. “They make changes each year, they take notes and think about it, and each year it’s a different look. We love to see that.”
Sather and Montgomery also shared their excitement ahead of this year’s celebration in town. Montgomery said she is always in the Palisades for the Fourth of July, spending time with friends and enjoying the fireworks nearby.
Sather said the Fourth of July is her favorite day in the Palisades.
“It’s the best small town in a big city in the United States, I guarantee,” Montgomery said to the Post.
All homes in Pacific Palisades are eligible to participate in the home decorating contest—first-, second- and third-place prizes for most patriotic home will be awarded.
Last year’s Grand Champion Award went to Cindy Simon, with Laura Diamond taking the prize for runner-up.
Individuals can enter by uploading a photo of their home to palisades4th.com/parade/home-contest, or to their Facebook or Instagram with “#Palisades4thHomeContest” in the caption by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 2.
No registration fee is required. Winners will be notified the afternoon of Saturday, July 3.
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