The City of Hickory is officially seeking nominations for this year's Beautification Awards Program, aiming to recognize local efforts in enhancing the city's visual charm. According to a recent post on the city's website, the program is organized by Hickory's Community Appearance Commission (CAC) and celebrates improvements made through landscaping, renovation, or restoration. Awards will be handed out across multiple categories, including both professional and non-professional residential landscaping, renovations, non-residential upgrades, and community projects.
Nominations are open until Nov. 28, and the CAC is looking to highlight properties that not only catch the eye but also contribute to making neighborhoods more welcoming. To successfully nominate a property, participants are encouraged to not only submit photos but also to detail the project's neighborhood impact and use of resilient or native plant species, a statement on Hickory's website explains. However, properties with topped trees—a practice detrimental to tree health and aesthetics—will not be eligible for the awards.
Among the categories is the 'Litter Quitter Award,' which once again is set to commend individuals or groups dedicated to keeping Hickory's streets and natural areas free of litter. This award stems from the anti-litter campaign launched by the CAC and the City’s Office of Communications back in 2021. Another addition this year is a nod towards properties acknowledged throughout the year via the Hickory in Bloom Recognition Program.
Wilson Elliott, staff liaison to the CAC, told the Hickory website the program's importance lies in its ability to "spotlight properties that have made exceptional efforts to enhance their appearance and contribute positively to their surroundings."
For anyone interested in submitting a nomination, forms are available at Hickory's Community Appearance Commission page. Submissions can also be emailed to Wilson Elliott at [email protected] or mailed to the address provided on the site.
