By: Maria Allard | St. Clair Shores Sentinel | Published November 21, 2022
ST. CLAIR SHORES — In an effort to ring in the holiday spirit and raise money for a good cause, the St. Clair Shores Lac Ste Claire Kiwanis will hold its first-ever “Christmas in the Shores” contest.
Under the contest guidelines, merchants within the city will set up Christmas displays inside their stores. Shoppers will then have the opportunity to vote for their favorite displays by donating money. Each dollar bill donated will count as one vote.
Cash receptors will be set up next to each display. Kiwanis members also have established a barcode that customers can scan that will take them to the nonprofit organization’s website so they can donate with a debit or credit card.
Each individual business can choose what kind of display they want. Christmas trees, a fireplace design and nativity scenes were among the Kiwanis suggestions, but it’s really up to each establishment.
“Being our first year, we don’t know what to expect. The businesses are competing against each other,” said Kiwanis Vice President Pamela Mason, who organized the contest with Treasurer Dawn Magnuson. “It’s a fun project and a fun contest. It gives everyone a chance to get involved in your community.”
Per contest rules, the displays must be no smaller than a 5-foot-by-5-foot area and no larger than a 10-foot-by-10-foot area.
The contest was limited to 20 businesses, and at press time Nov. 17, 18 had registered.
The competition kicks off on Small Business Saturday, which is on Nov. 26 this year. The names of each business will be posted on the Kiwanis social media pages, including Facebook, and posters promoting the contest will be hung throughout the city.
The goal of the contest is to bring in more foot traffic into local stores during the holiday season. It’s also a fundraiser for the St. Clair Shores Lac Ste Claire Kiwanis. Money raised from the contest will be used to benefit various charities in St. Clair Shores, including those aiding military families.
The last day to vote in the Christmas in the Shores contest is Dec. 12. The winner will be announced Dec. 16 at Blossom Heath Park, 24800 Jefferson Ave., at a time to be determined.