Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Inspired by the World of Hearts campaign (#aworldofhearts) that started on social media this spring, Josh Guler of Bank Forward approached the New Rockford Area Betterment Corporation with an idea. Rather than filling windows, doors and yards with hearts, why not illuminate them with bright twinkling lights and festive holiday decor?
The idea turned into the Holiday Lights Driving Tour, where friendly neighbors and cross-town rivals alike can decorate their way to $100 in Chamber bucks courtesy of Bank Forward and NRABC.
“We thought this was a great way to bring holiday cheer to the community and generate a slight economic impact for local businesses,” NRABC Executive Director Amanda Hegland said Monday.
The contest is open to all residents of New Rockford. There will be winners named in five categories:
• Best overall holiday lights
• Show stopper
• Light up the neighborhood
• Best use of holiday decor
• People’s Choice
To enter your home in the contest, contact NRABC at (701) 947-2205 or enter using the online form on the city website, http://www.cityofnewrockford.com. All entries must be received on or before Wednesday, December 16.
Local businesses are not eligible to win prize money, but owners and employees may wish to decorate their buildings and contact the NRABC to have them put on the list of places to visit.
Judging takes place December 18 and 19 from 5:30 p.m - 9 p.m., so all residents entering the contest should have their properties lit up during those times. Families who wish to go on the tour of lights are welcome to do so at this time as well. Rockford Theatre will be offering curbside concessions on Friday and Saturday from 5:30 - 7 p.m. Families out to see the lights later in the evening can come into the theatre to purchase concessions from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. nightly as well. In addition, the Latte Lobby will be open for hot drinks and smoothies from 5:30 - 7 p.m. Friday. Load up in the car, turn on the Christmas tunes and enjoy the show!
The winner of the People’s Choice award will be chosen via Facebook. The judges will take pictures of all the entries during the judging and then post the photos on the New Rockford Area Betterment Corporation’s page. The photo with the most “likes” will get the $100!
The list of decorated homes and businesses will be published in the Dec. 21 issue of the “Transcript”, so residents and visitors can take the driving tour themselves and experience the holiday magic. The winning homes will be featured in the Dec. 28 issue.
