Parks & Rec. Celebrates a Decade of Office Disguises
By: Orange County Communications Department
A fall favorite event, the OCPR Office Costume Contest is entering its tenth year of bringing coworkers together for joy and light - hearted competition. The first contest was held in 2014, but the roots of the event can be found in the prior year, when Parks & Recreation staff were inspired by the impressive group costumes being sported by the Orange County Treasurer ’ s Office. Witnessing firsthand the fun and fellowship they enjoyed, plans were made to spread that spirit to the greater Orange County community. The 2014 contest was extended to businesses, offices, agencies, and departments physically located in Orange County, VA, a
restriction which still holds today. That first event received twelve entries, with first place going to Dogwood Village Activities Department for their farmtastic scarecrow outfits. From there, the contest has steadily grown in terms of participation and costume quality. The contest has received at least 10 entries every year (the most ever was 20 in 2019), with an average of 91 costumed participants (the most was 139, also in 2019). It was one of the few programs to continue through the COVID - 19 pandemic without drastic changes. After all, masks have always been an important part of costumes.
The Parks & Recreation Department is always amazed to see the creativity displayed by the entrants, but as we reflect on the contest as a whole, there have been a few repeat winners that deserve a special mention. The Orange County Office on Youth earned their first win with a surplus of silliness as the Looney Tunes in 2016. Next, they became our first back - to - back winners in 2017, riding to first place in costume roller coaster seats. In 2018, they established their legacy with a third win as the
Addams family. Administrative Assistant Rosanna Zamudio helped coordinate many of these award - winning entries, and loves the competitive aspect, “ The prize is worth the effort!, ” said Rosanna. Another dynasty is fittingly found in the contest ’ s original inspiration, the Orange County Treasurer ’ s Office. Either on their own or as a partner group, they ’ ve accumulated the most total wins of any participant. Their record currently standing at four first - place finishes, including a streak from 2020 - 2022.They ’ ve found a strong niche with costume ideas from the silver screen, and have impressed judges with themes based on Beetlejuice, Willy
Wonka, and the many characters played by Johnny Depp. Heather Joyce, the Treasurer ’ s Office ’ s Chief Deputy (and architect of many incredible costumes) focuses on the joy of the contest, “ Fun is the fuel that ignites friendships and laughter, ” said Heather. “ The competition allows us to show our creativity and be competitive in a friendly way, ” added Dawn Herndon, Orange County Treasurer. Follow Orange County Parks & Recreation on Facebook to see former winners of this contest highlighted in celebration of this program ’ s enduring impact. Inspired? There ’ s still time to participate! Visit www.orangecountyva.gov/costumes to enter your group. We look forward to this years entries!
Page 19 | October 2023
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