Bunting and bows, ribbons and wreaths, flags and flowers, banners and bric-a-brac are just some of the ways used to decorate the outside of our homes.

The Tamaqua Remembers Committee is hoping residents and business owners use all these and more in an effort to create a sea of red, white and blue throughout Tamaqua Borough for the 150th observance of Memorial Day.

As a bit of an incentive, the committee is sponsoring a home and business decorating contest with three winners to be selected by an independent judging committee. While the top three winners will win an engraved, framed photo of their home or business, the first place winner will be awarded the grand prize of $1,000.

The contest is open to anyone within the borough limits, including the Owl Creek area. Nighttime judging will be available for those who have lighting incorporated in their designs. The theme is simply “Patriotic”.

There are no entry fees, but preregistration is required. Deadline to register will be April 21, with judging done on May 5. Prize winners will be announced on May 26.

Registration forms may be found at www.tamaquaremembrs.com or at the Tamaqua Community Art Center, 125 Pine St., Tamaqua.