This category is inclusive of all residential properties within the City of El Cajon, such as:

• Single-family homes
• Apartments
• Townhomes
• Other residential households

This category is inclusive of all commercial and business properties within the City of El Cajon, such as:

• Retail stores
• Offices
• Restaurants
• Other businesses

Registration Opens: May 1, 2026
Registration Deadline: June 12, 2026
Displays Must Be Completed By: June 14, 2026
Judging Dates: June 15, 2026 through June 26, 2026
Winners Announced: July 1, 2026 (on City social media platforms)

Patriotic Theme

Displays should celebrate American patriotism using elements such as flags, red/white/blue decorations, stars, and other patriotic symbols.

No Political Messaging

Displays must not include political messaging, such as campaign signs, candidate names or images, political party logos, political slogans, or issue-based advocacy messaging. Any display containing political messaging will not be eligible for judging.

Visibility

Decorations must be visible from the street or public right-of-way.

Safety Requirements

Decorations must not block sidewalks, roadways, or traffic visibility. Electrical decorations must be rated for outdoor use. Open flames are not permitted.

Property Compliance

All decorations must remain within the participant's property boundaries or approved business frontage.

Display Period

Decorations should remain in place through the judging period.

Location

All submitted addresses must be located within the boundaries of the incorporated City of El Cajon. Any addresses submitted outside of the City limits will not be eligible for judging. Search your address using this map to verify your location within City limits.

Entries will be judged on:

• Creativity & Originality
• Overall Patriotic Theme
• Visual Impact / Curb Appeal
• Effort & Use of Decorations

Judging will be conducted by a small panel from the community at various times of the day (not just after dark). Winners will be announced on July 1, 2026 on City of El Cajon’s social media platforms.

Residential Category

1st Place – Gift Card; City Council Recognition; VIP Experience at 4^th of July Event

2nd Place – Gift Card; City Council Recognition

3rd Place – Gift Card; City Council Recognition

Commercial Category

1st Place – Award Plaque; City Council Recognition; Complementary Booth at Future Special Event to promote business

2nd Place – Award Plaque; City Council Recognition

3rd Place – Award Plaque; City Council Recognition

Participants must complete the official entry form by June 12, 2026.

Information requested will include:

• Participant Name
• Address of Decorated Property
• Email Address
• Phone Number
• Contest Category
• Business Name (if applicable)

By submitting an entry into the Spirit of America Patriotic Decorating Contest, I acknowledge and agree to the following:

Agreement to Contest Rules

No Political Messaging

Property Responsibility

Right to Modify or Cancel Contest

Photo and Media Release