The judges’ poll:
1. Marty’s Reliable Cycle
2. Greenberry’s
3. Shear Bliss
The People’s Choice:
Enjou Chocolat, which beat its nearest competitor by a 240-81 vote, according to Jen Wehring of the Morristown Partnership.
It’s probably bad luck to call a windows contest a smashing success. But Morristown’s first Walking Tour of Windows holiday competition certainly has made downtown Morristown look good this holiday season. More than 30 businesses entered; check out the slide show below to see what they came up with.
Winners were chosen by Kadie Dempsey and Barbara Reuther of the Arts Council of the Morris Area, Leslie Bensley of the Morris County Tourism Bureau and … you, the shoppers who cast ballots for your favorite store windows.
The business owners, whose names were announced by Mayor Tim Dougherty before Sunday evening’s performance of Nutcracker at the Community Theatre, will receive tickets to the theater and to next year’s Giralda Farms summer concert by the New Jersey Symphony. A lucky patron of Glassworks studio also will receive a $100 gift certificate from the Morristown Partnership.
ABOUT THE WINNERS:
How do you beat a multi-window display that recreates Morristown with flashing lights and an actual (styrofoam) blizzard, all done with recycled materials for a sustainable holiday?
You don’t! Marty’s Reliable Cycle was the judges’ unanimous pick for first place.
“We thought Marty’s was very original, and has swirling snowflakes that would stop people walking on the street to look in,” said Barbara Reuther.
Greenberry’s Coffee & Tea on South Park Place created “an old-fashioned Christmas, with music on the sidewalk, fresh greens and a well thought-out theme that integrated the store inside,” she added.
Shear Bliss, a salon on Speedwell Avenue, boasted an impressive display of Santas and angels, “with music, and elegant gold and silver,” Barbara said.
Enjou Chocolat wowed the voting public with a tastefully arranged sleigh and reindeer delivering a cargo of delicious treats. “Enjou looked good enough to eat!” Kadie Dempsey said of the display.
Marty Epstein, owner of Marty’s Reliable Cycle, said his staff is “thrilled and honored” to be the first winners of what is envisioned as an annual contest. Challengers, beware–Marty said his team already is planning next year’s holiday extravaganza! In the meantime, he said, “We invite everyone to come view our windows and store decorations.”
ALSO WORTH NOTING…
Some personal favorites also included…
Glassworks on South Street recreated a scene from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, complete with Hermey the dentist, Yukon Cornelius and the Bumble.
Cradles to Crayons on Dumont Place. Colorful window paintings, and a delightful winter scene with snowmen made by kids.
Orchard Glass, at the intersection of Anne and Bank streets, created a miniature holiday town that would be a wonderful place to live if you were two inches tall. Encompass Tanning on Pine Street and Zebu Forno on South Street also created inviting street scenes.
Elliott’s Flowers on Morris Street, and Lauren B and Ricciardi Brothers on South Street had elegant, understated designs.
All in all, an impressive inaugural contest. Time to start planning next year’s winning entries!
Thank you for the special mention. Our misfit toys were supposed to be much bigger but they were received by mail too late. We are excited one of our customers won the gift certificate!