TY: Tis the season to sparkle! Every year we have some great residents and businesses who light things up with their holiday lights. The city does its part, too, with lights around our village and the sweet, annual Christmas tree lighting at the Community Center (this year held December 4th).
BW: That tree lighting is one of my favorite nights of the year. It’s simple and full of heart, and it reminds me how much this community loves coming together. My goal this year is to take that night and ripple it out across Destin in new ways.
TY: A favorite is when residents and businesses join in, and we try to encourage that with the city’s Christmas Outdoor Decorating Contest. People can find out more about that contest on our website under “News and Info,” but, basically, we recognize a Best Decorated Home, Best Decorated Business, Best Organization and Best Overall Holiday theme. People need to make sure they turn in a nomination to be considered (It’s free to do so, of course.) at (850) 654-5184 or emailRecreation@cityofdestin.com to enter.
BW: I love a good competition, especially when it involves holiday lights. Every year, I get asked about the city “adding more lights,” and while I never disagree, there’s only so much we can budget. That’s why this year I’m turning up the heat and encouraging local businesses and residents to help us bring more magic to our municipality. The more people who jump in, the brighter Destin feels.
TY: In that same spirit but on a different timeline and with a twist, I know you and I are excited to try a “Mayor’s ‘Who’s the Merriest?’ Choice Award” this year. Can you give the readers any hints on what you’re looking for to be the best of the best?
BW: I’m looking for heart more than anything. Funny, creative, coastal, classic, handmade, totally unique… it all counts. I just want to see the displays that make Destin feel connected and cheerful. If you put in the effort, if it brings joy to your neighbors, if it makes a kid laugh or a parent pause for a moment, you’re in the running. And instead of one big reveal at the end, we’ll be doing weekly shout-outs all December long. It’s a way for us to celebrate the season together as it unfolds.
TY: You know, they say you can learn a lot about a person by how they handle tangled Christmas lights. How does our Mayor fare in that battle?
BW: I THRIVE in the tangled chaos of Christmas lights. Every year, I do my best to put away the lights neatly, but it never fails that they are scattered by next year. But that’s part of the charm of the season. Not everything has to be perfect to be meaningful. And that’s why I hope people jump into this ‘Who’s the Merriest?’ theme with us. Whether it’s a porch wreath or a full winter wonderland, it all adds to the magic of Destin in December.
Please join the fun for the “Mayor’s Who’s the Merriest?’ Choice Award, and let’s make our city shine a little brighter this year. You can send your photos and mailing address to publicinfo@cityofdestin.com.
