Clayton Downtown Decorating Contests Are Announced

Once again, two holiday decorating contests are being organized by the Clayton Downtown Development Association (DDA) for the upcoming holiday season.

One of the main purposes of the decorating contests, according to DDA Chair, Joyce Blackley, is for downtown Clayton to acquire a reputation as a “must see” decoration destination for people and families who travel around enjoying holiday decorations. Ms. Blackley said, “There was nearly 100% participation last year and our downtown merchants showed their creativity and the storefronts and window displays were magical.” Downtown businesses are encouraged to keep their decorations up through the holiday.

A Downtown Storefront Decorating Contest will be judged on the evening of December 2nd and winners will be announced at 8:30 pm on December 4 at the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Town Square. Award categories will be Most Creative, Most Traditional and Best Overall. A “Grinch” award will also be bestowed on non-participating storefronts! All businesses and buildings in the downtown commercial district (Robertson St to US 70 between First Street, Main Street and Second Street) will be considered. Cash prizes will be granted to category winners: $100 each for Best Overall and People’s Choice; $75 each for Most Creative and Most Traditional. Winners will be announced by ABC-TV 11’s Barbara Gibbs!

In addition, a Downtown Residential Decorating Contest will be judged evenings between December 8 and 10 and announced online December 12. Categories will be Best Overall, Most Traditional, Most Creative and Best Neighborhood Block. All residential neighborhoods within the boundaries of Robertson Street to the west, US 70 to the south, town limits to the north and Durham Street to the east will be considered. Residential winners will receive a gift and a certificate. Honorable mentions will receive a certificate.

Judging for both contests will include judges from outside Clayton.

For more information, visit www.downtownclayton.blogspot.com or call the DDA at 553-1545.