TOMS RIVER, NJ, November 10- Holiday light lovers will find the central business district the place to be for a spectacular holiday light tour during the month of December, as the Toms River Business Improvement District (TRBID) conducts its first annual district-wide resident and business Holiday Decorating Contest.

Both residents and businesses in the central business district are encouraged to decorate their homes and businesses as well as enter the contest. “We wanted to do something special during the month of December that benefits the residents and the businesses within the district as well as our surrounding communities,” commented Frank Capone, Chairman of the TRBID. “Participation of our residents and business owners in a decorating contest will enhance the beauty of our business improvement district area, while encouraging folks from surrounding communities to visit, shop and dine while enjoying the holiday splendor,” adds Capone.

Resident contest winners will be awarded cash prizes up to $200, including a beautiful yard sign awarded to the Grand Prize winner along with certificates, all in one category. They will be judged on originality, arrangement, theme and overall presentation.

The business contest participants will be judged in four categories including; Best Downtown business, Best Route 37 business, Best district business (not downtown or Rt. 37) and Best window display. A winner from each category will receive a cash prize, and a plaque for their business to display. The Grand Prize, sponsored by Oldies 100 WJRZ includes two tickets to a Broadway show in New York City, transportation and a plaque for the business to display. Both contests will be judged on December 3 during the First Friday event by a special panel of judges including Spyder McGuire of Oldies 100, Michael Fiure, Dover Township Councilman and other Dover VIP’s and TRBID board members. All winners will be announced live on Oldies 100 WJRZ by 9pm on December 3 and listed on the TRBID website.

The Business Improvement District encompasses an area bordered roughly by the Garden State Parkway to the West, Hadley Avenue to the East, the south side of Route 37 to the North, and the Toms River to the South. Free Pre-registration is required for both residents and businesses wanting to participate.

To register, residents or business owners should obtain entry forms by visiting www.downtowntomsriver.com or by calling the TRBID at 732-341-8738.

Registration deadline is 5 p.m., Wednesday, December 1, 2004.