By Greg Ellison
(Nov. 19, 2020) While social distancing restrictions have put the lid on numerous holiday celebrations, a festive Ocean Pines tradition will soldier forward this year with registration now open for the annual “Light Up the Pines,” outdoor display event.
For the past four years, Choptank Electric Cooperative has sponsored the illuminating event and once again is providing gift baskets for the first 20 households to sign. The signup period began Monday.
Although Dec. 4 is the initial signup deadline, residents who want to participate in the home decorating extravaganza can register throughout the holiday season and will be added to the online map.
OPA Director of Public Relations and Marketing Josh Davis said initial registrations have been light.
“Only a handful have signed up as of early this week,” he said.
As in past years, residents wishing to show off their Christmas light displays can register for the program and be included with an online Google map that includes participating locations.
Davis said the self-guided home lighting tour is one tradition that Ocean Pines could continue regardless of covid-19 restrictions.
“While the pandemic has changed many of our holiday plans this year, this program is something we’re happy to be able to continue,” he said.
Davis said the lighting arrays might spread some cheer to the community during trying times.
Choptank Marketing and Communications Manager Beth Hallett at the Denton headquarters said in a release the goal is to foster goodwill over the Christmas season.
“Choptank Electric Cooperative is pleased to be part of the holiday spirit in Ocean Pines with the ‘Light Up the Pines’ event,” she said. “We hope our members enjoy bringing holiday fun to the neighborhood.”
Households interested in participating should submit a name, address and phone number via email to info@oceanpines.org or by calling 410-641-7717.
For more information, contact Davis at 443-366-1844 or jdavis@oceanpines.org.
The map of participating homes may be viewed at https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1WwK5e47ZJjK11paT5jZ69HqobWwf_3nA&usp=sharing.