BUCKHANNON – Misty Post keeps her fellow Upshur County residents up-to-date on the happenings in and around Buckhannon and Upshur County with her Buckhannon Events and Upshur County WV Announcements Facebook pages.

Recently, My Buckhannon spoke with Post to see about one of her ideas to literally brighten a Christmas season darkened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Post shared some of her ideas about how everyone can take part in these fun activities and make her vision a reality.

The Buckhannon Upshur Corona Christmas Lights Display 2020 

Post said she started this display/contest after reading someone’s post on Facebook.

“They questioned if anything was going on in Buckhannon, and everyone was answering that there was nothing going on,” Post said. “My husband had never put up lights, and I wanted him to. I thought it would be a really good idea to have a lights display and contest.”

Post said in ‘normal’ years, there is a parade and many other activities to partake in around the Christmas season, including the City of Buckhannon’s Christmas wagon rides that tour town.

“I thought we could do this still,” Post said. “That is when I decided to do the Buckhannon Upshur Corona Christmas Lights Display 2020. I also created a Facebook page where people can post pictures of their light displays.”

She said her goal is for folks to light up Buckhannon and Upshur County, and she is encouraging everyone – businesses and private residences to participate.

“Everyone can go out and social distance and drive by to see the lights – even older residents who are not getting out very much,” Post said. “It will give the older people something fun to do.”

On the Buckhannon Upshur Corona Christmas Lights Display 2020 Facebook page, Post said the goal of her page is to “light up Buckhannon/Upshur County” and she would love for Buckhannon to become a destination to which people can travel both within the county and from outside the county to view the bright Christmas lights.

“I think this would be great for our elders and kids and will provide a safe, happy thing to do,” she said. “Maybe this could even become a yearly tradition.”

Post is giving away prizes, and she said they will be given away in four categories – the first will go to her favorite light display and the other three will go to the top three ‘liked’ pictures posted on the Facebook site Buckhannon Upshur Corona Christmas Lights Display 2020.

Post pinned the contest at the top of the page where it will remain until December 15. To enter the contest, post your favorite outside decoration display photo in the comments. She said the top three pictures with the most likes will win.

“Of course, I will pick my favorite and it could be from anywhere on the page and can be indoor and outdoor decorations on the page,” Post said. “The only rule is, you must live in Buckhannon/Upshur County to enter, and you are not allowed to tag people in the comments to get likes.”

Many locals have already taken to the Facebook page to post beautiful photos of their decorations and trees. One person even posted, “If you think I’m going to ride around town and waste my gas looking at Christmas lights, you’re dang right!”

Post said anyone can vote for the winners and encourages everyone to go onto the Facebook page and vote for their favorite – or favorites.

“I donated the prizes myself, but local businesses have stepped up and donated prizes for the contest as well,” Post said.

‘Light up this town and county’

Aside from the fun of decorating and the contest, Post said she has a goal of lighting up Buckhannon and Upshur County.

“It really seems to be taking off, and I hope this is fun for people of all ages,” Post said. “I hope people will come from all over to visit our town and our county and enjoy the lights.”

Plenty of people have been posting photos of their Christmas lights displays on the page and anyone can go on the page and vote for their favorites.

Skateland of Buckhannon put up some lights at their rink at the end of November and posted their photo up on the Facebook page. Many local residents commented on how they love the illuminated angels, and that they missed them and had enjoyed them in the past.

Post said she hopes this Facebook contest will help spur residents to decorate this year and give them something to share in this year where so much has been skipped. She said another hope is that people will see their neighbors decorating and that will inspire them to decorate as well.

According to Post, participants may vote for as many lights displays as they’d like to – there’s no limit.

So, whether you jump in your car and go see the light displays around Buckhannon/Upshur County or if you just scroll through the photos on the Facebook Page, Post hopes locals enjoy the lights, time with their families and the holiday season.