05/28/2020
The city brings new ideas to the celebration with decorating contest and drivable tour
The City of Canandaigua is looking to celebrate Independence Day in a new way this year, with a contest and community engagement effort that allows town and city residents to enjoy the holiday in a safe and fun way. Moving past its typical parade, community picnic and fireworks display – which would not allow for safe social distancing practices – the city is instead planning an effort that encourages its residents to dress up their homes and participate in drive-by voting for the most creative, theme-driven and spirited displays.
The theme for the 2020 celebration is “Unsung Heroes,” celebrating the area’s essential workers and personnel who have been working tirelessly and fearlessly since the COVID-19 pandemic began. City and town residents, local businesses, and essential operations are encouraged to fill out a form on the City of Canandaigua’s website noting their intent to participate by decorating their home, business or storefront in the spirit of the holiday and this year’s theme. Leading up to the contest, the city will release a map of decorated locations, encouraging the community to tour the area’s homes and businesses and vote in a series of pre-determined categories.
Instead of focusing on a one-day celebration, participants are encouraged to have their homes decorated and ready for voting by June 26. The contest would continue throughout the following two weeks – until July 10th – with final winners announced by the city as of July 15. Winners will receive a trophy and be shared on the city’s website.
“In a year when our typical celebrations can not take place, we are still looking for fun ways to engage with our community members,” says John Goodwin, City Manager for the City of Canandaigua. “We feel that this is the best way to show Canandaigua’s spirit, strength, and appreciation for each other, while also keeping safety at the forefront of everything we do.”
Applications to participate in the celebration and decorating contest will be posted on The City of Canandaigua’s website on June 1, 2020. The deadline to apply for participation and be included in the city’s celebration route is June 19, 2020.
