Fourth of July Patriotic Home Contest Accepts Entries

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Palisadians across all neighborhoods are invited to show off their red, white and blue decor for a chance to win a prize in this year’s Patriotic Home Contest, which is accepting entries through July 2 at 5 p.m.

“Showcase your patriotic spirit and creativity by decorating your home for a chance to win exciting prizes,” read a postcard at the start of the contest.

The 2024 contest is sponsored by “local real estate legends” Susan Montgomery and Violetta Hargitay, who work at Sotheby’s International Realty, as part of Palisades Americanism Parade Association’s Fourth of July festivities.

Montgomery explained to the Palisadian-Post that her and Hargitay have worked together for “many, many years.” In addition to real estate, Hargitay also does photography (and she was the most recent winner of 90272 Magazine’s Travel Tales contest).

“I’m honored that she wanted me to partner with her,” Hargitay, a Highlands resident for 25-plus years, said. “We are friends and colleagues, and I think we’re pretty like-minded in how we approach our business, and what we think about the community and how long we’ve been in the community.”

Awards will be given to the “Most Patriotic Home,” “Runner-Up Most Patriotic Home” and the “Joan Sather Memorial Sponsor’s Award,” which will be given in honor of the late contest sponsor to the home that has the “most outstanding use” of homemade elements.

Montgomery and Joan Sather—longtime friends and both Realtors with Sotheby’s International Realty—co-sponsored the event together for years until Sather died in 2022, which is when the contest introduced the award in her honor.

“She spearheaded this whole thing and it’s turned into a very popular part of the celebration of the Fourth of July,” Montgomery said of Joan. “I want to continue to do it to honor Joan. I think it’s such a great tradition in the Palisades.”

Montgomery and Hargitay encouraged residents in all neighborhoods of the Palisades to enter the contest, from Castellammare and the Highlands to the Riviera and Alphabet Streets—even if the homeowners plan to be out of town for the holiday.

Winners will be notified on July 3 around 4 p.m. and available on the Palisades 4th website, as well as on Facebook and Instagram.

Those who wish to enter the contest can fill out a form at palisades4th.com/parade/home-contest. They may also be sent directly to homecontest@palisades4th.com or uploaded to Instagram with #Palisades4thHomeContest.

Last year’s first-place prize went to the Mass family, followed by runners up the Grigsby family in second place and the Gold family, which won the Joan Sather Memorial Sponsor’s Award. Two additional runners up were also selected: Mary Dekernion and Nina Almaraz.

Winners will receive prizes and gift cards from local businesses.

For more information, contact Montgomery at susan.montgomery@sothebyshomes.com or Hargitay at violetta.hargitay@sothebys.realty.