The cut-off time for nominations for the Port Hope Civic Awards is almost up and yet only a few people have sent in their picks.

For committee chairman Bill Hubbs, this development is a little worrisome, especially after doing everything in his power to promote Port Hope’s 2009 Civic Awards. Over the past weeks, Hubbs has been busy sending letters to various groups, churches, and schools to raise awareness. He’s also held a luncheon attended by previous Outstanding Citizens and Outstanding Youth of the town.

They even went for a media roadblock by doing an interview for a local TV station, plugging the event on radio, and buying ad spaces from the local papers.

The month of December was even declared as a special Civic Awards Month to focus attention at the awards ceremony. The town went as far as erecting a big banner on Walton Street to encourage residents in the area to submit their nominations.

And yet despite all the hype to pique the interest of Port Hope’s townspeople, only 14 nominations have been passed as of Tuesday, with none for Outstanding Youth.

The annual Civic Awards is the town’s way of recognizing the contributions made for the community by Port Hope’s youth and citizens.

Hubbs remains positive however, as he expects nominations to pour in on the last few hours of January 8 – the deadline for submissions. The Awards night will be on January 11.