Who's your best?
You may have noticed some of the marketing floating around this region over the past week, focusing on the
Best of YAS contest.
The marketing goes something like:
"From Pubnico to Yarmouth to St. Bernard and all points in between, we have a lot to be proud about in this region. And we want to know who you think the best is. Best of YAS (Yarmouth and Acadian Shores) is an opportunity to recognize businesses and residents within our community who are going above and beyond to provide the best experience possible, for both residents and visitors alike.
Cast your vote daily from November 1 - 30 at www.bestofyas.com, and tell us who your best is. Encourage your friends and family to vote as well. Who do you think is the best local band? Who serves the best creamed lobster? Best place to view the night sky? What about best experience for visitors?
Every category winner will be presented with a nifty plaque and bragging rights for a full year. The awards will be handed out January 9th, 2014."
So why a "best of" contest? My answer is that it's a great way to bring the region together and focus on that which we can hang our hat on, and not despair over the things that might drag us down a little. It's fun, it will get people talking, and it will engage the community. But best of all it's a crowd-sourced stamp of approval. This isn't the YAS staff or the media determining the best; it's local residents and visitors recognizing those who truly offer a "best of" experience.
In light of all the positive momentum this community is gaining (All Hands on Deck, Dark Skies proposal, Roger Brooks review [watch the video here!], etc), let's make sure that we don't lose it. A "best of" contest is one way in which we can all be proud of our community, and the experiences that we have to offer residents and visitors alike.
Enjoy and have fun with it :)
General Manager
Yarmouth & Acadian Shores Tourism Association