Second place went to Tisa’s Salon & Spa, 947 E. Main St., where owner Tisa Grant and her elves created a unique “Magical Christmas” for passersby to enjoy.
And to ponder the collection of rich colors, swirls and sparkle she used heavily in her design: “I love being a part of the window contest and love the challenge,” said Grant. “And I love watching people stop and try to figure out my theme,” that reflects the magic of the holidays.
“I like to make them think a little bit when they look at the window,” and the view was magical for those on both sides of the window.
Grant said she might just use her prize as “an investment in the second floor Spa,” by creating a consignment shop to complement the beauty services.
Yesenia Gonzales, Heritage Valley program manager for The Arc of Ventura County, 116 N. 10th St., said the $50 3rd Place Prize will be put to good use.
The theme of the window was “Christmas Fantasia” and featured Mickey Mouse using his newfound magical powers “And his wand pointing toward floating gifts.”
Gonzales said it was a “Whole team effort,” of Arc staff and developmentally disabled clients, who spent about six-hours creating the window that has brought compliments for the creativity of the design.
“We’re putting the prize money into a fund to purchase a flat screen TV for the center,” said Gonzales, and if Santa doesn’t come through, “We’ll take donations!”
Others who dressed their windows for the decorating contest were El Centro Market (943 E. Main St.), Main Street Comics (925 E. Main St.), Bee-Loved Florist (915 E. Main St.), SuzCreates (915 E. Main St.) and Century 21 Hometown Realty (848 E. Main St.).
Johnson said all the window decorations, the twinkling lights strung through the trees and vintage light standards reflecting soft light off the hanging flower baskets and markers turn the Downtown into a magical place to be in the evening.
“Although not all our retail merchants have holiday hours people should really visit the Downtown in the evening and walk Main and the side streets to enjoy all the decorated windows...and stop in at one of our many restaurants for dinner or perhaps a dessert, coffee or even a hot toddy.
“We have a wonderful town,” said Johnson. “Santa Paula is so unique and our Downtown, a beautiful historical place...it’s a gift.”