"This year it's not just Grayson - it's Olive Hill too. It will be all of Carter County," Fannin said, noting the presence of Olive Hill Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Messer Conley before citing Olive Hill's numerous upcoming holiday celebrations including "Christmas at The Depot" and "Christmas on The Hill" along with a parade through the city of Grayson on December 5, and Grayson's "Hometown Holidays" scheduled for December 3rd and 4th.
The "Merry & Bright Trail" is a coordinated effort which asks local residents, organizations and businesses to decorate and illuminate their buildings and grounds in celebration of the Christmas season.
There is definitely a competitive element as well, York and Fannin said, explaining participants have several opportunities to be rewarded with valuable gift cards from strictly-local merchants. This year's prizes received support from Pure Country Automotive in Grayson, which contributed $500 toward the "Best Home" awards.
"You're community was the merriest of them all!" York said to a pair of residents of The Plantations in Grayson, encouraging participants to get their neighbors in on this year's action.
Organizers were well pleased with the first "Merry & Bright Trail" last year, they said, with more than 16,000 online views associated. "It was more like 25,000" one said. The advertising value for local businesses were also beyond expectations, they said.
People who enjoy driving from point to point viewing the various holiday displays will be also able to follow a digital "trail map" on their cell phones. Viewers are asked to select their favorites in the contest app.
This year's efforts will be directed toward encouraging donations to the local "Project Merry Christmas" campaign, which was challenged to meet demand last year.
Participants should be registered in time to welcome drive-by guests starting on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and each will receive a numbered yard sign for voting purposes. Lights and displays should be active from 6 until 8 p.m. until Christmas Day.
To register, or for more information, visit the Grayson Area Chamber of Commerce page on Facebook.
(4) Grayson Chamber | Facebook
Story & Photos by TIM PRESTON
Carter County Post