News : VU announces holiday lighting contest

By Melody Snow (on behalf of Vinton Unlimited)

Vinton Unlimited is ushering back “The City of Lights”! Although Vinton may technically still have a sign that reads “The City of Lights”, it seems to have grown dim around these parts the last several years. Well, Vinton Unlimited, along with others, want to see that moniker rekindled.

Many of us grew up with the kind of Christmas cheer you can’t buy. Snowmen and snowballs were formed with laughter and a warm pot of apple cider or hot cocoa simmered on the kitchen stove to warm us when we came in. Carolers would wander from door to door in the glow of Christmas lights. And families, from far and wide, would pile in the car to drive through town to “ooo” and “ahh” over the Christmas light displays.

This year, Vinton Unlimited is doing their part to encourage the community to come together in reviving “The City of Lights” with a Holiday Lighting incentive. Any resident within the Vinton City Limits that registers for this Lighting Event by Saturday, December 14th, and displays at least 500 lights during the holiday season will receive a FREE Vinton Unlimited membership for 2014, PLUS have the chance to win $50 worth of Vinton Value Dollars (3 winners will be drawn at random from all entries). That’s it. Three simple rules: 1) Live within the Vinton City Limits; 2) Display at least 500 holiday lights; and 3) Register by December 14th.

1—2—3 Done!

But let’s also share some of this holiday spirit, if you have extra Christmas lights and would want to donate them to a house that needs them, please leave them at the participating businesses. Vinton Unlimited will make sure they go to families in need. If you are in need of lights, please contact the VU office at 319-472-3955 for availability.

Registration forms can be picked up from (as well as light donations made to) these participating businesses: Windsor Manor, Vinton Unlimited, City Lite Yogurt, or Clingman Pharmacy.

Let’s make this season merry and BRIGHT!