Plant City businesses are gearing up for what may be the biggest rivalry of the year: the annual Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce Christmas Tree Contest. And although it pits different businesses against one another for the title of town’s favorite tree, the competition is a friendly one.
This year’s contest will include 20 businesses, such as Dinosaur World, City Pizza, Eye Express and the Plant City Times & Observer. All residents of the Winter Strawberry Capital are encouraged to go around to these businesses, check out the trees and cast their ballots for the contest.
“Christmas is one of my favorite times of year,” said Amy Nizamoff, chamber vice president. “I like going around and looking at all the Christmas trees, and I like knowing what other people think about them.”
Although some familiar faces, like the recently-closed Brown’s Floral Shop, won’t be participating this year, this is an opportunity for new and existing businesses to get some spotlight and take on more frequent winners, like the ever-popular Hope Lutheran Church.
Between the participating businesses, this contest is only going to count for a year’s worth of bragging rights. For you, though, there are several hundred reasons to play along — voters will be entered into a drawing to win a $200 gift card.
If you’ve ever played Bingo, then you won’t need much coaching for this one — just visit the businesses listed on your ballot, which can be found in the Plant City Times & Observer’s Holiday Guide or at the chamber, and check out the trees and take the sticker that each merchant gives you. You’ll need to cover at least 65% of your page with stickers from businesses, then bring it to the chamber to be entered to win.
This year, there’s a new facet being added to the contest: If you can’t make it out to every business, you can just visit the Chamber’s Facebook page and “Like” pictures of trees to cast your vote. It’s an effort to make the People’s Choice contest more social media-driven and increase awareness of these businesses, according to Nizamoff.
“We’re just trying to drive more people to the local businesses,” Nizamoff said. “Social media is a big part of today’s world, so we’re hoping that that will draw more awareness to the businesses.”
Anyone age 19 or older is eligible to be entered for the drawing. Voters 18 and younger will be entered to win a $25 gift card.
The contest will be held from Nov. 28 to 30.
For more information, call (813) 754-3707 or email Nizamoff, amy@plantcity.org.
Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
Just a click away
If you can’t make it out to every business, you can just visit the chamber’s Facebook page and “Like” pictures of trees to cast your vote. To cast your vote, visit facebook.com/PlantCityChamber.
Tough Competition
Last year, Focus 4 Beauty won the competition. Focus 4 Beauty is a career center that offers programs in cosmetology, barbering, nails, and skincare and facials.
Some other favorites included Dinosaur World.
“It was so cool, with all of the dinosaurs and things that they decorated it with,” Nizamoff said. “All of the little kids loved it.”