The SLO Downtown Association has announced the winners of its annual Holiday Window Decorating Contest for the 2016 season, sending anyone who wants to see the five top mentions on a downtown scavenger hunt of sorts.
The Best in Theme and People’s Choice awards are on opposite ends of Downtown on Higuera with Third Place, Tails Pet Boutique, in the middle.
The theme this year was the suitably generic winter pun, “Dancing Through the SLO,” with Jules D. Boutique taking the unique twist of framing photos of a handsome gentleman delivering presents to young women around town. Very debonair. Dare we say dashing even? The 11 judges thought so.
As noted tails came in at third place with their Christmas-y pups appearing to greet Santa amidst a display of plush toys.
Mee Heng Low Noodle House reminded passers by of the importance of Love, and noodles, with a full tree on the second story.
But, Ariel Shannon, owner of Bluebird Salon on Monterey, outdid them all with what an employee at the busy shop called “a proprietary blend” for a gingerbread recreation of both the Madonna Inn, complete with signage, and the Fremont Theater in facing windows.
Urban Optics, near Firestone Grill garnered the People’s Choice award for their lighting and window painting of Gingerbread men looking perhaps just a little too relaxed for the quote, “Run, run, run as fast as you can.”
A total of 24 Downtown businesses entered the contest, which organizers say is a chance to, “vie for the most eye-catching displays by decorating their storefront windows with creative and inspiring designs. Hoping to gain customers’ attention—and perhaps win a prize.”
In addition to the winners, participants include, in alphabetical order: 2 Blondes Boutique, Ambiance, Assistance League Thrift Store, Celadon House, Change of a Dress, EcoBambino, Hands Gallery, HumanKind Fair Trade, Kevin Main Jewelry, Len Collective, San Luis Traditions, Spencer Makenzie’s, Stephen Patrick Design,The Blade Runner, The Mercantile, The Sock Drawer, To Have & To Hold, Upscale Resale, and We Olive.
– Camas Frank
