Purpose The purpose of the West Columbia Beautification Foundation (WCBF) Yard of the Month Program is to award residents who add to the positive beautification efforts of the foundation for the beautification of the City of West Columbia. The Program recognizes residents, living within the city limits of West Columbia, SC, who demonstrate exceptional efforts to maintain and improve their property in a manner that contributes to the overall pleasing appearance thus making the property an asset to the community. The WCBF Subcommittee will award a monthly winner as follows: • April through August: Landscaping • September: College/Professional Team Spirit • October through December: Holiday Decorations • January – No award presented • February and March: Porch Appearance Each monthly winner receives: • Photo with WCBF members to be shared on social media, press release, and Foundation’s website • Prize Swag Bag with gifts/donations from local businesses • WCBF yard sign that identifies their property as the Yard of the Month winner Program Timeline (October through December) • October Submission Deadline: Wednesday, October 14, 2020 • November Submission Deadline: Monday, November 9, 2020 • December Submission Deadline: Monday, December 7, 2020 Program Timeline (February through September) • Submission deadline the first Monday of each month • Submissions will be solicited during a two-week window prior to the first Monday • Nominations will be contacted by a Sub-Committee member to ensure they are comfortable with their address and names being published. • Winners must be willing to have a photo taken and promoted across the social platforms and in the media. • Judging will be completed by the Sub-Committee by the second Friday of each month (Votes will be collected via a private online webpage) • The winner will be contacted by a subcommittee member to make an appointment during the third week to take a photo, install the yard sign, and given the swag bag Program Guidelines • Submissions should include three to five photos submitted via Facebook Messenger (facebook.com/beautifywcolasc) or by email (cotte@westcolumbiasc.gov) • Submissions will be accepted from the public, city staff, or WCBF members • Submission photos must be taken of the property that is visible from the street • The same property can receive an award more than once in a calendar year, but it must be in a different category • The property of all current residents of West Columbia, both owner-occupied and rental, are eligible to participate in the program, including those homeowners involved in the governance of the WCBF. The one exception being a nominee should abstain from voting for themselves. • The upkeep of the yard or decorations can reflect the effort of the resident or that of a professional landscaper or groundskeeper. • During the reign as Yard of the Month, winners are expected to maintain their yard in the same manner that allowed them to win the title.
Judging Criteria Landscaping Awards Landscaping factors include, but are not limited to, tidiness and neatness, pruned and trimmed trees and shrubs, edged and defined lawns, borders and flower beds without bare spots and excessive weeds. The yard should be free of debris and clutter.
Decorative Awards Decorative awards are judged on the overall appearance, thoughtful layout, tastefulness, creativity, and decorating in the “spirit of the holiday”. A visually appealing façade may be considered. General maintenance and upkeep of the yard and home may be excluded from the judging.
College/Professional Team Spirit Awards College/Professional Team Spirit awards are judged on the overall appearance, tastefulness, creativity, and decorating in exhibiting their college/professional team support. These submissions should reflect a clear alliance with the team of their choice.
Porch Awards Porch awards are judged on the use of originality and creativity to create an inviting front entryway and a positive overall appearance as viewed from the street. The arrangement may be formal or informal with the use of color, textures, flowers, and pots. This is a category that will include multi-family dwellings.