When you hear the phrase, “Land Ho!” what springs to mind? Do you see yourself aboard a ship on the sea looking through a spyglass? Well, keep that thought in mind for the Windjammer Days Festival decorating contest.

Due to COVID-19 guidelines, the Street Parade will not be held this year during the festival, June 27-July 3. The Friends of Windjammer Days have been bouncing several ideas around over the last few months. One discussion touched on how the people of New Orleans decorated their yards and porches to celebrate Mardi Gras; they may not have been able to take it to the streets, but that did not diminish their spirit for the event. So, likewise for the Boothbay Region: The Street Parade is not possible, but a “Porch Parade” is and Land Ho! is the theme.

The Windjammer Days Decorating Contest is for homeowners and businesses. Set your imagination free: So, let’s say you have just shouted ‘Land Ho!’ What would you see? Show the community with props, lights, cut-outs (remember the fantastic Whoville display in Edgecomb?), garlands, or a stationary float ...

The complete display has to be visible day and night. So, if you’re thinking lights to accent or outline part of your scene, keep that in mind.

Lisa Walby, executive director of Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber team are working with the Friends of WJD on this new event. They are the ones to contact to sign up. Call 633-2353 to give your name, address, contact phone number and email address, or stop by the office at 192 Townsend Ave. (next to Hannaford’s) and fill out a form. All entries must be received by May 15.

All decorating must be done by June 25. And, instead of a panel of judges, the community and visitors will be doing the voting to decide on first, second and third place displays in both the residential and commercial categories. Prizes: First place, $1,000; second, $500; and third, $250.

All displays should remain up June 26-July 4.

The Chamber will be working on a map, including an interactive version, listing all of the competing business and homeowner entries. The interactive map will be at www.boothbayharborwindjammerdays.org and www.boothbayharbor.com and will be downloadable to cell phones. All voting will be texted. Watch for more details over the next few weeks!