Decorating for Special Occasions, Holidays Not Just for the Home

The International Carwash Association Announces the First Ever Best Decorated Car Sweepstakes

CHICAGO, Nov. 30 -- According to a recent survey, people have an emotional attachment to their cars and just like folks decorate their homes for holiday entertaining, a new trend is spreading across the nation where people dress up their cars not only for weddings and homecoming games, but to spread holiday joy as well.

The International Carwash Association would like to recognize the most creative holiday decorated car in its first ever International Carwash Association Best Decorated Car Sweepstakes. The winner will receive a $5,000 complete car-care makeover, including: one year of professional car washes (52 washes) and the choice of an automobile sound system, GPS navigator and professional interior and exterior detailing (value not to exceed $5,000).

"Adding a dash of spice to your car interior and exterior is great way to celebrate all special occasions, as long as you don't obstruct the view from your car windows and mirrors," says Mark Thorsby, executive director of the International Carwash Association. "We've seen wreaths on the front grill, evergreen boughs on the luggage wrack, and a red bow tied on the roof to resemble a wrapped package."

Entry forms are available at http://www.carlove.org/ and must be submitted via United States Postal Service. To submit entries print and sign your name on a 3x5 inch index card with complete address including zip code, daytime and evening telephone numbers and attach a photo of your decorated car. Mail your entry, with first-class postage affixed, to: International Carwash Association Best Decorated Car Sweepstakes, 401 N. Michigan Ave, Suite 2200, Chicago, IL 60611. Entries must be received by Feb. 1, 2007. (Entrants must be 18 years of age or older). A complete list of contest rules is posted on http://www.carlove.org/ . Winner will be announced April 1, 2007.

  HOLIDAY CAR DECORATING TIPS:

  -- String holiday cards, pine cones, ornaments and garland on the seat
     backs.
  -- Stash candy canes or holiday-wrapped candies in the cup holders.
  -- Plant small-potted poinsettias or fresh-flower stems in the back seat
     netting.
  -- Attach special decorative magnetic decals to exterior doors, trunk and
     hood.
  -- Tape battery operated decorative lights to the ceiling.

  SIMPLE HOLIDAY CAR CLEANING TIPS:

  -- Stash a roll of paper towels and pre-moistened clothes in the trunk to
     clean up messes that inevitably occur when transporting holiday
     goodies.
  -- Make sure you don't let stains sit too long on the inside or outside.
     Bird droppings, acid rain and salt can harm your car's finish in just a
     couple of days. If you don't wash these offenders off of your car ASAP,
     you are risking damage.
  -- Detailing services can restore any car back to showroom quality, or
     close to it, even if your car has been exposed to a troop of messy kids
     packing half-eaten chocolate-frosted holiday cookies.
  -- Treat your car to a professional wash.

The International Carwash Association is a non-profit trade association serving 3,000 businesses in the United States, Canada and overseas. Membership includes car wash operators, equipment manufacturers, distributors and related suppliers. Members represent approximately 25,000 car wash and car care locations in North America.