By KEN CARPENTER
Great Bend Post
Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, the "Christmas Window Decorating Contest" will be back in Great Bend this year. It is being coordinated again by Rosewood Services.
Last year was the first year the contest was held. The donor put up $3,000 in prize money to encourage business owners in downtown Great Bend to decorate their windows for the holidays. 42 businesses participated.
The donor is contributing the same amount this year. Michael Dawes, Rosewood's director of public relations, explained what he hopes the contest will accomplish.
"Try and get every window downtown with lights, theme, something that shows Christmas in Great Bend,” Dawes said.
Window displays must be family-friendly, creative and festive. They will be judged on general presentation, workmanship, lights and originality.
Dawes predicted the contest to be even better than last year.
"People have had a year to plan ahead and get ready for this season so we think it’s going to be a pretty amazing Christmas season in downtown Great Bend as far as decorated windows go,” Dawes said.
Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, November 8th, and the windows must be completely decorated by noon on November 17th. More information is available HERE.
The first-place winner will receive $1500 with second place receiving $1,000 and third place $500.