by Geoff Fox
Hancock Rotary is sponsoring a parking meter pole decorating contest this year with the top three meters winning prizes.
Organizers are inviting businesses, families, friends, neighborhoods, clubs, and schools to participate in the retired meter pole decorating for the Christmas and Holiday Season.
Those interested in participating are asked to contact Rotarian Meter Pole Coordinator January at 240-313-5499 or via email at [email protected] to reserve a pole.
Weber said contacting her sooner than later would be best to secure the location of preference and then she’d assign until the poles are gone. 
As of Monday afternoon, 17 of the 44 poles in town are sponsored.
Decorating begins on Monday, November 24, and must be completed by noon on Friday, November 28.
Organizations must register.
Meter pole decorations must be removed by Friday, January 2, 2026, organizers said. Rotary is not responsible for decorations not removed by that date.
Hancock Rotary members will be judging the decorations and will name their top three “best meters.”
All winners will be announced at the Miracle on Main event on Saturday, November 29, and each winning meter will win a $25 cash prize.
There are a few rules for the meters pole decorations.
Participants will be assigned a meter after submission of their application. Participants must use the assigned parking meter only.
There is to be no painting allowed on or around the sidewalk or street.
Meter decorations should be no taller than 72 inches and no more than 30 inches in diameter with the meter pole completely covered and not visible.
Participants are encouraged to visit their assigned meter before decorating.
Water, weather, and wind-proof materials are suggested and organizers said anything of value should not be attached to the display. Main Street Hancock and Hancock Rotary are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
No tape, adhesives, or paint may be used on the parking meter pole.
Decorations may not impede pedestrian sidewalk or street travel.
Neither the Main Street Hancock Organization nor Town of Hancock are responsible for any decorations and reserve the right to remove them at any time.
All participants are expected to display family-friendly décor. Main Street Hancock reserves the right to remove any decorations found to be in poor taste.
