Connellsville groups to sponsor holiday contests
CONNELLSVILLE — Residents and business owners are putting the final touches on their outdoor displays and storefront windows in preparation for the Christmas season and two contests being sponsored by local organizations.
“The once dreary and dark downtown is coming alive,” said Judy Keller, member of the Believe In Connellsville group overseeing the decorating contest for the business district. “Now when residents or visitors come through our town, there is plenty to see.”
The organization began its campaign three years ago to have businesses along Crawford Avenue and Pittsburgh and Arch streets add some holiday decor to their stores or offices to brighten the path of those visiting the downtown.
“We just walked through town with fliers that encouraged the owners,” said Keller. “Winners received a plaque they could put in their business.
“There was no pressure, but in the three years since we started, it has become very popular, and, when we went to distribute the flyers this year, we found that many had already started decorating.”
Keller said there are some extraordinary displays this year.
The newly refurbished Aarons Furniture store along Pittsburgh Street has a Victorian-style decorated window and a more modern Christmas display in a second window of the building.
“It is just spectacular,” said Keller. “The Shallenbergers have not only done a wonderful job of renovating the building but also in creating the window displays.”
The neighboring Health Insurance Store has snowmen greeting passersby and is very well illuminated for those traveling during the nighttime hours, said Keller.
DeMuth florist, the top winner in 2012 and 2013, took its window design from the holiday movie, “A Christmas Story.”
In the movie, Ralphie Parker’s dad wins a “major” award, which arrives in a box marked “fragile,” just prior to Christmas, 1940. Inside is a leg lamp that Mr. Parker displays in the family’s front window.
Keller said that a similar lamp and box are on display in the DeMuth window.
Other businesses, too, have unique and colorful scenes, added Keller.
Judging will be done by organization members by the end of the week.
Residents, too, have the opportunity to join in the holiday fun.
The Connellsville Recreation Board is expanding on its successful Halloween decorating contest by encouraging those who have added outdoor lights or other decorative displays to register with the city by Friday to be considered by the judges.
Keller said that the city residents have been energized with the influx of new businesses and plans for future development and, along with the support by Mayor Greg Lincoln for citywide activities, have spurred participation by all.
“His youthful enthusiasm is positive and contagious,” said Keller.
For more information about the business decorating contest, call Keller at 724-628-3639. Information about the residential contest is available by calling city hall at 724-628-2020.