By Scott White
Woodford Sun Staff
Report for America corps member
Most folks around here would agree that Versailles really embraces the holiday spirit of Christmas.
Whether a joyful specimen tree cut in the county and decorated with ornaments made by nearly all of the county’s public-school students, or the Main Street businesses that join in decorating their storefront windows with a single theme (last year, the theme was holiday movies and the Sun’s window was “A Charlie Brown Christmas), or a magical Christmas parade followed by caroling, hot chocolate and lots and lots of lights.
So, is it any surprise that the Hallmark Channel has selected Versailles as one of 25 communities across the country, the best of the best, to compete for the title “Merriest Christmas Town” in the country.
And, you can help.
Voting for the prize is already underway. To vote, go to merriestchristmastownscontest.hallmarkchannel.com, where you can size up the competition, but, truly, Versailles is the stand-out choice. You can continue to vote once every day until voting closes on Sept. 4.
“Woodford County is a community that knows how to celebrate Christmas, but more importantly, we know how to celebrate one another,” said Emily Downey, president and CEO of the Woodford County Chamber of Commerce and executive director of Visit Woodford. “From our historic downtown and locally owned businesses to the traditions that bring families and neighbors together, the holiday season in Versailles is truly something special. We are incredibly honored to be recognized by Hallmark and excited to share the Christmas spirit of Versailles with people across the country.”
According to a Woodford County Chamber of Commerce press release, the recognition came after Hallmark launched a nationwide search earlier this year to identify communities that embody the heart and spirit of the Christmas season. Versailles/Woodford County was nominated for its traditions, celebrations and community spirit that make the city special during the holidays.
The stakes are especially exciting: the winning community will receive the opportunity to serve as the filming location for a future Hallmark holiday movie. And, as many know, Versailles and Midway have already stood in as the location for a few Hallmark movies.
“We hope everyone who loves Versailles and Woodford County will join us in rallying behind our community,” Downey said. “Whether you have lived here your entire life, own a business here, are visiting for the holidays or simply have a special connection to Woodford County, this is an opportunity for all of us to show the country what makes our town such a wonderful place to call home.”