The Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce wants the Hastings to sparkle this Christmas.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The business group has launched the Light up the Hastings Christmas competition to bring joy over the festive season and encourage people to shop locally.
The competition is open to all businesses and residents in the Greater Port Macquarie region.
Just dress your shopfront, home or office for the festive season and post a photo to the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce Facebook page using the #shoplocalPMQ hashtag.
This year's shield recipient will be chosen, based on the amount of "likes", shares and the most Christmassy decorations, at the discretion of chamber judges.
Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce board member Alex Glen-Holmes said Light up the Hastings would brighten the place and make it a bit more exciting, which attracted people into businesses as well.
"It's a plus for the businesses, it's a plus for the locals and it's a big plus for the look of the town," she said.
"Tourists over Christmas absolutely love it."
Light up the Hastings 2021 sets the scene for the community to embrace the Christmas spirit and help boost the economy by shopping locally after a challenging period as a result of the COVID pandemic.
It comes at a time when Port Macquarie will be without its countdown to Christmas street parade and the official Christmas tree lighting.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council will not stage the street parade or countdown to the lighting of the Christmas tree due to the COVID pandemic.
The council's priority is to keep residents safe and adhere to the NSW health orders.
The Port Macquarie Christmas tree lights will be switched on without fanfare on November 25.
Meanwhile, Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce is doing its bit to foster Christmas cheer in a COVID-safe way, urging businesses and residents to enter the Light up the Hastings competition.
The Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce launched the 2021 competition in an effort to celebrate the community resilience after the tough past couple of years.
The organisation's executive officer, Mark Wilson, said he could not stress how important it was to look to support regional communities and shop locally.
"We hope this competition injects some Christmas spirit and makes shopping a positive experience for everyone," he said.
The competition closes and the winner will be announced at the Combined Business Network's Christmas Party on December 9.
More information about regional shopping is on the Buy Regional website and go to the chamber website for further details on the Light up the Hastings competition.
What else is making news?
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
Bookmark our website
Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
You can support us with a subscription
Follow us on Twitter: @portmacnews
Follow us on Instagram: @portmacnews
Follow us on Google News