​Registration now open for Lots of Socks event in Kincardine area

Lots of Socks is back and registration is now open for this event, set to take place in March, in the Kincardine area.

For the 11th year, Community Living of Kincardine and District is bringing the community together through the annual Lots of Socks window display competition. Businesses, schools, and organizations are invited to decorate their windows with brightly-coloured socks for a chance to win the coveted Golden Sock Award!

A community tradition, the window display event began in 2015 with just a handful of participating businesses. Over the past decade, it has grown to include more than 100 local entries, all helping to raise awareness, celebrate World Down Syndrome Day (March 21), and proudly showcase this inclusive community.

Participating businesses decorate their windows using colourful socks, and community members are encouraged to vote for their favourite display. Individuals can also take part by rocking their brightest socks March 21 and joining in the celebration.

The Lots of Socks movement was started by Down Syndrome International which chose socks as a campaign symbol because when placed heel-to-heel, they resemble a chromosome. Down Syndrome occurs when a person is born with an extra 21st chromosome (three instead of two), making socks a fun and meaningful way to start conversations and spread awareness.

March 21, all are encouraged to wear their socks boldly — even over top of their — to really get people asking, "What's this all about?"

The event is celebrated with portraits because all people deserve a sense of belonging and to see themselves reflected in their community. Displaying portraits of community members living with Down Syndrome helps normalize disability while celebrating each individual. The stunning portraits, captured by local photographer Jamie Edwards, feature everyday people in everyday moments — and sometimes in seriously cool, imaginative scenes inspired by their interests. These portraits reinforce the powerful message that we are more alike than different. Thanks to Edwards for volunteering his talent, and to Bruce Power for printing all posters and portraits for this event.

Registration is now open. Businesses, schools, and organizations can participate by sending an E-mail message to cmc@clkd.ca by Feb. 13 with your business name and address. A poster and portrait will be delivered for your window display.

IMPORTANT DATES:

March 2-6

• Posters and portraits will be delivered to businesses that have registered to participate

March 15

• Participating businesses are to have their windows decorated and begin sending in photos/video for judging. Files can be sent by E-mail to cmc@clkd.ca.

March 18

• Deadline for photos from participating businesses. You MUST submit a photo to compete for the Golden Sock Award. Files can be sent by E-mail to cmc@clkd.ca.

March 20

• Voting for your favourite business window is OPEN until 3 p.m. on the website at www.clkd.ca – everyone is encouraged to vote!

March 21

• World Down Syndrome Day
• Golden Sock Award winner will be announced
• Wear your most colourful, patterned and even mismatched socks in support of World Down Syndrome Day. Take your "Sock Selfies," post them to social media and send them by E-mail to cmc@clkd.ca so they can be included on the Community Living social channels.
• Use #WorldDownSyndromeDay #LotsofSocks and join the global conversation

If you have questions, send an E-mail to cmc@clkd.ca or call the office at 519-396-9434.