The first Annual “Deck Your Yard” contest was slated to launch yesterday November 25, 2011 and will run until December 25 (Christmas Day) under the theme “Beauty Begins in the East".

According to a press release from the committee, all residents of the Seventh and Eighth Districts are invited to enter the contest to “Deck their Yards” for the Christmas season. A first, second and third prize will be awarded to persons who make the most significant improvement to their yards by cutting the grass/bushes, planting flowers and fruit trees, painting any walls or fences and getting rid of the junk!

“We, at the BVI Tourist Board are pleased to be partnering in the production of the contest, which is a creative way to encourage persons to improve and take pride in their yards to create a lasting change in the appearance of the community and encourage a better environment for residents and visitors.” said Ms. Hadassah Ward, Director of Tourism.

Entry forms are available at area supermarkets and businesses (look for the contest poster and green drop boxes!)

Third prize – $250 cash plus a Snorkeling excursion to Cooper Island with Sail Caribbean Divers, a Caribbean painting from Aragorn’s Studio and lunch at Trellis Kitchen.

In addition all persons who enter the contest will be eligible for free bulk waste removal from their yards and discount purchases on select plants, paints and other items at the following competition Vendors of Choice: Plants and Things (Arona George), Minine’s Plants and the Paint Factory.

EBC president, Angela Burnett Penn, noted other great benefits to entering the competition. “With the support of the Tourist Board and community businesses we are pleased to be offering terrific cash and gift prizes; however, the real prize for property owners is the increase in their property value and the pride and joy that comes from having a beautiful yard.” She encouraged persons to take advantage of the opportunity to improve their yards and their community to restore the pride and help realize the full potential of the area.

In leading up to the contest the EBC and Tourist Board have been recognising residents of the area who have traditionally maintained well-kept yards with a rotating banner and news release. This process will continue for the duration of the contest to showcase what the community could look like if everyone transformed their yards!

The contest prizes and promotion are made possible by several community businesses including, Island Concrete, Autland Heavy Equipment, JTV, The Moorings, Surfsong Villa Resort, Tamarind Club, Sail Caribbean Divers, Aragorn’s Studio, Trellis Kitchen, the Paint Factory, Plants and Things (Arona George De-Windt) and Minine’s Plants. The contest is also being sponsored by Hon. Marlon Penn.

About the EBC

The East Beautification Committee (EBC) is a group of concerned citizens from the East End, Long Look, Hope Estate and Greenland communities dedicated to enhancing the physical appearance and health of our communities in order to improve the quality of life for residents and create a better environment for tourism activity.

Persons interested in the Committee should contact the president, Angela Burnett Penn, at 496-8728 or email ebcommittee@gmail.com