2019 Downtown Ashtabula

Holiday Window Decorating Contest 

To enhance the holiday atmosphere, the Ashtabula Downtown Development Association (ADDA) is sponsoring a window/storefront decorating contest for downtown merchants and property owners.  (ADDA membership not required.)

Use your imagination!!  Be unique!!  Light up the darkness!!

A team of judges will award prizes as follows:

1st Place Winner = $250,

2nd Place Winner = $150,

3rd Place Winner = Gift Basket.

There will be a fair and impartial judging panel.  No ADDA members will be involved in the judging.  Please keep in mind that, while this is a contest, the main goal is to join together in the spirit of the season to make the downtown festive and attractive for the community.

To be included in the competition, your decorations must be up by Friday, November 22nd.  This is the date of the annual Downtown Ashtabula Christmas Parade.  This year's parade theme is "A Charlie Brown Christmas".

All merchants are welcome to participate, but contest registration is required!! See below for complete competition guidelines.

Registration deadline is November 18th, so click on the button to sign up now!!

Ashtabula Downtown Development Association

Christmas Window Decorating Contest Guidelines

• Your decorations must be in place by Parade Day (November 22nd) and must be kept up through Christmas Day.

• Winners will be selected by an impartial panel of judges. There will be no ADDA members on the judging panel. The judges will be touring the downtown to view the decorating on parade day, so be sure your displays are visible and lighted during that time.

• You are encouraged to use some form of lighting in your display.

• This year’s parade theme is “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

• Although it is not required, you are encouraged to incorporate the parade theme into your decorating.

• Your decorating must be able to be viewed from the street as people drive by.

• Please try to vary your display from year to year.

• Keep your window lights on until at least 10 PM. Use a timer if necessary. It is important to keep Downtown bright and festive through the evening.

• Windows should be attractive both during the daytime and at night.

The judges will take into account the following criteria:

• General Presentation: Overall effective presentation. Display and placement of decorations.
•  Originality: The creativeness and originality in the theme and design concept.
• Workmanship: The craftsmanship in the creation. Detail in design and creation of objects with the effective use of colors and materials.