ORANGE — The Orange Merchants Group has opened the seventh annual lamppost-decorating competition’s contestant field to include local families.

The tradition that had previously been reserved for Orange businesses and organizations will have more diversified participation this year and 27 downtown lampposts will be decorated by Thanksgiving.

“That way the town is all nice and beautified for Santa on the Friday after Thanksgiving,” OMG member Angela Prescott said, referring to a planned visit to Orange Town Hall’s Ruth B. Smith Auditorium by Santa Claus from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 29.

Prescott, who owns Prescott Oil with her husband, said 16 businesses or families had signed up as of Thursday. There is a $30 fee to decorate a lamppost. The accrued entry fees go toward purchasing holiday decorations for spots like Riverfront and Memorial parks. Prescott said there is no specific theme “as long as it’s Christmasy.” Anyone interested in signing up should contact Prescott at 978-544-5106 or angieprescott02@yahoo.com.

OMG member Tom Smith said people will be able to vote for their favorite lampposts on Orange’s municipal website starting on Dec. 2. He said the top vote-getter will be announced at the town’s Starry Starry Night celebration on New Year’s Eve and receive a trophy. Smith devised the idea for a downtown lamppost-decorating contest after wishing something could be done to make the area more festive during the holiday season.

Previous popular lampposts have been decorated with a Malibu Barbie, a Grinch, and ornaments shaped like milkshakes, Popsicles, cupcakes and doughnuts.

Contest rules dictate that lampposts’ decorators remain anonymous until voting closes. Last year was the first time participants were allowed to use multi-colored lights as opposed to white ones.

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.