‘Trains, Planes & Automobiles” focus of Downtown Merchants Association Window Decorating Contest

December 05, 2007
Santa Paula News

Downtown merchants are celebrating the season with a show of window decorations that are bringing holiday panache to the Central Business District, as they vie to see just who has the most artistic talent.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesDowntown merchants are celebrating the season with a show of window decorations that are bringing holiday panache to the Central Business District, as they vie to see just who has the most artistic talent. The 3rd Annual Downtown Merchants Association Window Decorating Contest this year has the theme of “Trains, Planes & Automobiles” to reflect Santa Paula’s strong ties to transportation.“We’ll probably announce the winners of the People’s Choice Award on December 21,” said Downtown Merchants Association President Debbie Johnson. The People’s Choice Award will not be considered for the judged 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place winners, the reason for holding back on the announcement.“We don’t want to announce the judges’ winners.... It might taint the results of the People’s Choice,” noted Johnson.More than a dozen Main and Mill Street merchants are participating in the contest, and include Cal West Read Estate, Santa Paula Flower Shop, Bailey’s Vacuum, Brownie’s Basement, H & R Block, Santa Paula Times, Tlaquepaque Restaurant, Ramirez Income Tax, Godinez Barber Shop, Patron’s Hairstyling, International Engine Parts, Ooh La La, Fashion Ave, Pamela’s Tea Room and Santa Paula Health and Fitness.The 1st Place winner will receive $500, 2nd $250 and 3rd $100. The Adams Preserve is sponsoring the $500 1st Place Award.
Merchants participating in the window contest were kept busy thinking up unique ways to highlight transportation’s tie to the holiday season, and their imaginatively decorated trees and displays are wonderful to view during the day... and spectacular at night.“Come on out and take a look,” Johnson said last week. “We encourage everyone to come down during the day and at night to see the windows” of longtime businesses, as well as the new enterprises that have opened in the downtown.And while you’re downtown, a bit of Christmas shopping and supping would be perfect. “We’ve got clothing stores downtown, wonderful gift and specialty shops, art, we even have a special Holiday Store” offering a winter wonderland of seasonal items, said Johnson. “You can eat at our great downtown restaurants, and they’re all offering gift certificates,” as are beauty salons - some with spas - that also feature great products for sale.“The Downtown is lit up at night and - day or evening - it’s a wonderful place to walk amid all the holiday decorations and our great variety of stores. We’d love to see you!” said Johnson.Downtown Merchants Association Window Decorating Contest ballots are available at participating merchants. Ballots are also at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust and Santa Clara Valley Bank, where completed ballots are to be returned.



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