September 17th, 2009

With nearly 500,000 people, Long Beach is the 6^th largest city in the California. Yet, thanks to the city’s extraordinary collection of neighborhoods, many still say it feels like “small town America.”

This marvelous approach to “communities within a community” gives Long Beach locals the best of both worlds — a connection to a thriving metropolis and a sense of neighborhood pride.

To celebrate the wonderful neighborhoods that make Long Beach special,  EverythingLongBeach.com is hosting the Long Beach Neighborhoods Essay Contest September 18 through October 2.

To enter, write a short essay that describes any Long Beach neighborhood and its unique characteristics. Neighborhood essays might include a description of the area’s residents, architectural characteristics, business or shopping districts, historic sites, community activities, cultural celebrations, urban legends or any other interesting features.

Entries should be between 300 and 500 words. Submissions will be judged on “interestingness,” creativity, and how well the author is able to include neighborhood facts, history or trivia. A winning essay will educate, enlighten and entice residents to learn more about Long Beach Neighborhoods. Entries with significant grammar or spelling errors will be disqualified.

One finalist will be chosen from each neighborhood that receives entries (one finalist from Bixby Knolls, one finalist from Belmont Shore, etc). All the finalists will have their essay published on EverythingLongBeach.com.

Finalists will be announced online October 12 and the public will be invited to vote for their favorite essays October 12-17. Winners will be announced online October 18.

The Grand Prize winner will walk away with $100 cash!  Additional winners will receive prizes from an array of Long Beach businesses including: Indulgence Day Spa, Fern’s Garden, Buono’s Pizza, Portfolio Coffeehouse, Johnny Rebs, The Found Theatre, Long Beach Depot for Creative Reuse.

Entries in the Long Beach Neighborhood Essay Contest must be received by Oct 2 at midnight. All decisions by the judges are final. In the event of a tie, a random drawing will determine the final winner.

The writing contest is open to all Long Beach residents 18 years old and older. For more information about the Long Beach Neighborhoods Essay Contest, as well as a list of Long Beach neighborhoods click here.

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