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Christmas Window Decorating Contest Encore Coming to Downtown Great Bend

"A Feeling of Christmas"

Last year’s inaugural ‘Christmas Window Decorating Contest’ in downtown Great Bend was an immense success. Forty-two decorated windows were beaming with holiday cheer. It begs the question, how will decorators ever top last year’s creative storefronts? The anonymous donor, who is putting up $3,000 in prize money once again, is confident that this year’s contest will be even better.

“Last year, I felt downtown was more festive than ever before, and I was extremely happy with the effort,” said the donor. “I’m very excited about this year, too, because I think we’re going to see a step up from last year. I believe there’s going to be a lot more participation, with more lights, plus many decorators have had a year to think about and plan their displays.”   

Exactly as last year, the donor will provide prize money to the top three winners in the ‘Christmas Window Decorating Contest’ that will run through much of November. “Best Christmas Window” Awards will be announced on Nov. 27 following the ‘Home for the Holidays Parade’ in downtown Great Bend. Window displays must be family friendly, creative and festive. They will be judged on General Presentation, Workmanship, Lights, and Originality. Winning windows will be selected by a panel of decorating professionals. The Grand Champion award winner will receive $1,500; Reserve Grand Champion will receive $1,000; and Third Place will win $500.

The event is organized by the Rosewood Roots & Wings Santa Committee that also is associated with ‘Santas Around The World,’ the multicultural holiday exhibit, which opens each Christmas season in downtown Great Bend. Boundaries for the window-decorating contest cover 10th to 18th Streets, and from Williams to Kansas Streets in Great Bend.

There are no fees to enter, but participants are responsible for the cost of their decorations. Downtown business owners are encouraged to enter the contest, as well as those who would like to become window decorators. Applicants who do not have a store window to decorate will be assigned a vacant window in downtown Great Bend, based on availability. Independent decorators also have the option to coordinate with a business owner for window decorating.

Participants must submit their application by 5 p.m. on Nov. 8 to be included in the judging.  They must complete decorating by noon on Nov. 17, and judging for the window decorations will run from Nov. 18 – 20.

Those interested in participating may access rules and an application form at SantasAroundTheWorld.com, or contact Anna at 620-793-5888 to receive an application form.

“Last year, I loved the holiday atmosphere,  of seeing people walking up and down our downtown streets, looking at the windows,” said the donor. “Hearing little children ooh and ahh at the window decorations especially warmed my heart. I’m excited to experience it all over again this year.”

-SANTAS-

Find more about Santas Around The World online, SantasAroundTheWorld.com.

Follow us at facebook.com/SantasAroundTheWorld

For more information, contact Anna Hammond, Rosewood Services Business Development Director, annah@rosewoodservices.com, 620-793-5888.

October 22, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of public relations, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com