SANTA Clause, a Christmas tree, multi-coloured Christmas lights, a reindeer, elves, and a snowman: no matter big or small, make Kouga sparkle with festive cheer.
All while battling it out for the best decorated business in the Kouga region.
In a bid to spread holiday cheer among residents, local businesses and visitors, Kouga Municipality – in conjunction with the Kouga Business Forum (KBF) and Kouga Tourism – will hold its first-ever Light Up Kouga competition.
Kicking off today, Thursday, November 14, the competition encourages businesses to adorn their premises with Christmas lights and decorations in a bid to claim bragging rights and prizes.
For those high trees out of reach, the Kouga Municipality will assist with their cherry picker.
“The competition is a chance to brighten the moods of passers-by and a wonderful way to spread some festive cheer,” says KBF Chairperson Jo Ferreira.
“This is about community and about rallying together, and having pride in the town – all while making Kouga sparkle with Christmas cheer.
“It does not matter how big or small your display is, it is all about getting involved in the holiday spirit.”
It will also help Kouga become the events capital of South Africa – a preferred holiday destination for the whole family.
“Through tourism, we can create millions in revenue injection into our local community and provide impetus to our drive to create one job in every home in the region,” says Kouga Mayor Horatio Hendricks.
“Events that will attract tens of thousands of visitors, will grow our local businesses and create employment and sustainable opportunities.”
All lights and decorations must be up by Sunday, December 1.
The winner, to be announced on December 16 at the official Opening of the Season celebrations, will be determined by a panel of independent judges.
Apart from bragging rights, the winning business will receive a trophy and certificate, as well as various other prizes.
In addition to the main competition, a people’s choice voting competition will also be run.
People’s Choice: How to Enter
To enter, participants must send a high-quality photo of their decorated businesses to Monique.Basson@media24.com. Include Light Up Kouga in the subject field. The following details should also be included: name of the business, address and contact number.
Qualifying entries will be uploaded in the Light Up Kouga album on the Kouga Express Facebook Page. Please give at least two working days to allow entries to be reviewed and uploaded online.
Participating businesses can also contact Monique Basson at 042 293 2973 to take a photo of their festive organisation.
To vote for your favourite business, go to the Kouga Express Facebook Page and find the Light Up Kouga album (look under photos). Simply click “Like” on the photo. The business with the most “likes” will be named the people’s choice winner.
The voting closes at 15:00 on Monday, December 9.
Information
For more information and entry forms, contact Leilani Coetsee from the Kouga Business Forum at 084 681 3702 or send an email to office@kougabusinessforum.com.
