News
Seventh Annual Window Contest to Transform Downtown Great Bend
Lights, Creativity, Christmas!
Organizers of the annual Christmas Window Decorating Contest are inviting businesses, artists, and community members to help transform downtown Great Bend into a festive holiday destination this season.
Now in its seventh year, the contest once again offers $3,000 in prize money, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor who hopes the event will showcase downtown Great Bend and strengthen its reputation as "The Christmas City."
"We've seen some truly remarkable displays over the years, and we'd love to see even more participation this season," said the anonymous donor. "Whether you're a business owner or someone with a talent for decorating, your creativity can help make downtown Great Bend a holiday destination for residents and visitors alike."
The Christmas Window Decorating Contest is organized by the Rosewood Roots & Wings Santa Committee, which also oversees Santas Around the World, the multicultural holiday exhibit that opens each Christmas season in downtown Great Bend. After coordinating the contest during its first four years and stepping aside the past two seasons, Rosewood Roots & Wings is returning to help bring creativity and festive cheer back to downtown storefronts.
Winners will be announced Dec. 11 through local media outlets. Window displays must be family-friendly, festive, and original. Entries will be judged on originality, workmanship, overall presentation, and use of lighting.
New this year, judges will select winners in five award categories, an increase of two more categories compared to previous years.
The grand prize for “Best Overall Window” is $1,000, while four “Runner-Up” awards will each receive $500.
Contest boundaries extend from 10th Street to 18th Street and from Williams Street to Kansas Avenue in Great Bend.
There is no fee to participate. Contestants are responsible for providing their own decorating materials and supplies.
Downtown business owners are encouraged to enter their storefronts into the contest, while individuals interested in decorating may also participate. Participants without access to a storefront may be paired with an available vacant downtown window, based on availability. Independent decorators may also work directly with participating business owners.
Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Nov. 2 to be eligible for judging. Window displays must be completed by noon Nov. 23. Judging will take place between Nov. 23 and Dec. 4.
Applications, contest rules, and additional information are available online at: SantasAroundTheWorld.com/Window-Contest; or Interested participants may contact SantasAroundTheWorld@gmail.com, 620-792-2536 to request an application.
Even businesses that choose not to enter the contest are encouraged to decorate their storefronts to help create a festive holiday atmosphere throughout downtown.
"When people stroll through downtown after hours and view our decorated windows, they discover businesses they may not have noticed before," said the anonymous donor. "A welcoming and vibrant downtown benefits everyone. Every decorated storefront helps create an experience that encourages visitors to return, shop locally, and support our community."
-SANTAS-
Find more about Santas Around The World online, https://www.SantasAroundTheWorld.com/
Follow us at facebook.com/SantasAroundTheWorld
For more information, contact Michael Dawes, Rosewood Services PR Director, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com, 620-792-2536.
October 15, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of public relations, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com, 620-792-2536.
