By Carolyn Steber
Each year, the first signs of the holiday season are often seen in the beautiful displays and decorations that traditionally appear in store windows.
So imagine how beautiful the displays could be if all the stores competed to outdo each other. That’s exactly what’s expected to happen in Bordentown City’s first annual Window Decorating Competition, sponsored by the Downtown Bordentown Association and the Bordentown Current.
The competition, scheduled to begin Nov. 24, is set to feature Shoppe 202, Little Friends Pet Grooming, Rebecca’s Vintage Boutique & Consignment, The Artful Deposit and others. These businesses will go head to head for the title of best display while bringing some holiday spirit to town.
“This will make the town even more attractive, even though it always looks great for Christmas,” said Rebecca Moslowski, owner of Rebecca’s Vintage Boutique & Consignments.
Moslowski plans to decorate her window with a winter wonderland theme including twigs painted gold, lights inside and out and all types of sequined gowns from her shop.
The contest was set up by April Sette of the Downtown Bordentown Association. She agreed that Bordentown is already known for looking great throughout the holidays, and hopes this competition will make businesses step up their game.
Once completed, the displays will add to the ambience for people who stroll through town or take a horse and carriage ride during the holiday season.
Sette also hopes it will bring shoppers into town and promote Shop Local, a campaign that encourages people to recycle their dollars back into the community.
The displays will encourage shoppers to look in windows and discover new stores they didn’t know existed, many of which feature items that you just can’t find at the mall.
“If you’re going to spend money on gifts anyway, why not go look at the shops in town that have unique items?” Sette said.
The public will determine the winner when judging kicks off on Nov. 24 at the Tree Lighting Ceremony. The contest ends on Dec. 7 after the Chocolate Walk. Votes are determined through ballots dropped off at The Old Bookshop of Bordentown and Facebook “likes.”
Shops and businesses in Bordentown had the opportunity to opt-in to the competition throughout October. Many, like Moslowski, planned their displays right away and are looking forward to a little friendly competition.
The store with the most popular window display will receive a free advertising voucher to be used in Community News Service publications.
For more information on voting, go online to downtownbordentown.com.
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