A number of downtown merchants have accepted the challenge to come up with a decorated window for the Dover Days Window Decorating Competition. Winning windows will be announced at First Friday, May 4, which coincides with the opening night of Dover Days weekend.
"We are pleased with the large number of merchants who have joined the competition, and more are registering every day," said Carly James, a Dover Days volunteer who is coordinating the competition. "The contest really serves two purposes," she said, "One, it helps Dover put out a nice welcome mat for the thousands of visitors who will be in town for Dover Days, and two, it will help to draw those visitors downtown where they can continue to make a positive economic impact on our community."
The following merchants have registered: Bel Boutique, Delaware Made General Store, Ordway Group CPAs, Signature Stitches, Dover Newsstand, Suds Bar Soap & Essentials, Fashion Connection, Ancient Way Massage & Day Spa, Madison's Essentials, Next Level Clothing, Needful Things, Simon's Bridal Shoppe, Zuha Trend, Bell, Book, & Candle, Forney's Ltd, Zuha Trend/New Class Act and Forney's Too.
To participate, merchants, eateries and businesses in the downtown district should complete the entry form (there's no charge to participate), and have their businesses decorated by Monday, April 30. Judging will take place on May 2 followed by the announcement of the winners during First Friday, May 4.
First place winner will receive $100; second, $50 and third, $25. All winners will receive ribbons to place in their windows for the weekend.
Ms. James, who is coordinating the competition, is a Revitalization Specialist and AmeriCorps VISTA currently working at the Delaware Economic Development Office under the Downtown Delaware program. She will be visiting businesses during the months of March and April to encourage participation in the program.
This year marks the 79th anniversary of Dover Days. Merchants, businesses and restaurants are encouraged to trim their storefronts in red, white and blue, or with other Dover Days images such as a flower garden motif, a Colonial theme, tri-corner hats or maypole dancing.
For more information or to obtain a participation form, contact Kent County Tourism at 302-734-1736.
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