BUFORD — Buford has always united and prevailed during any hardship. The year 2020 has been one hardship after another, with no one walking away unaffected by the events of this year. The Buford community has shown its resilience through these hardships and has united. This holiday season when so much has changed, events are canceled, trips to see loved ones postponed and Black Friday is virtually a thing of the past, one thing will remain the same — Buford will unite and prevail.
With all the changes this year has brought to the 2020 Holiday season, the community needs an extra-large dose of Christmas cheer. There’s no way more effective to bring on that holiday cheer than seeing yard after yard lit up and all decked out for Christmas. No matter one’s age, seeing Christmas lights still delights.
The North Gwinnett Voice has teamed up with local businesses to bring to Buford the inaugural Brighten Buford Community Christmas Lights Contest. People can register their home or their business to participate in the contest. The participants have a chance to win prizes, including gift cards and gift baskets from local businesses and even a cash prize.
There’s plenty of fun to be had for all as an interactive map will be available online for families to use to tour the Christmas lights. This becomes the perfect Christmas activity for 2020. Social distancing at its finest. Once residents have chosen their favorite home or business, they can vote at www.NorthGwinnettVoice.com.
People interested in participating in the contest can sign up at www.NorthGwinnettVoice.com to enter the contest and receive a participation number. Those interested in participating may sign up between now and Dec. 1. Voting will begin on the North Gwinnett Voice’s website starting on Dec. 1 and run through Dec. 20. The winners of multiple categories will be announced on Dec. 22 on the website and social media.
Locations on the map will feature only an assigned number. No names will be involved as to not sway voters or release personal information. To up the chances of winning, participants will be able to upload 30-second clips of their light displays upon signing up.
Let’s show the world that 2020 will not dampen the Christmas spirit or the will of the residents of Buford. We stand Buford United!
— Alicia Couch Payne
