Members of La Jolla Town Council have started a new holiday tradition, calling on village merchants to participate in the first La Jolla Storefront Decorating Contest. “The goal is to create an effective holiday atmosphere in the village and to encourage people to come to the village,” said LJTC President Darcy Ashley, “and to get people in the mood for the holidays and in the mood to shop.” The contest will begin Friday, Nov. 21, and voting will close Friday, Dec. 5, Ashley said. All merchants inside La Jolla’s village are welcome to decorate their shops in one of five style categories, including traditional, contemporary, beachy, outrageous and 1800s or old-style theme. Residents and visitors can vote for their favorite storefront using the printed ballot or online at www.ljparade.com. LJTC members will announce the winners during the parade festival, set for Sunday, Dec. 7, Ashley said. “There will be two winners in each category, a winner and a runner-up,” Ashley said, adding that a total of 10 stores will win first- and second-place ribbons. Interested voters can check the website for a list of participating stores, Ashley said. Town Council members will update the list, adding stores as they participate, she said. For more information about the La Jolla Town Council parade or La Jolla Storefront Decorating Contest, visit www.ljparade.com.