Holiday window contest to spread cheer in downtown Rochester

ROCHESTER — Over 20 local businesses are participating in downtown Rochester’s Holiday Window Contest this year, and the public will have a chance to weigh in on their favorites.

Rochester area residents and downtown visitors are encouraged to explore the downtown area and text their vote for their favorite holiday window display Nov. 13-19.

Downtown Rochester Events Coordinator Jenna O’Dell said the public can easily cast their votes by following the voting information displayed on the window outside of each participating business.

“Each window that’s participating will have a number to text, and a code, and we’re asking the public to vote for their favorite holiday window between the 13th and 19th of November,” O’Dell explained.

According to O’Dell, the Holiday Window Contest not only adds a vibrant touch to the community during the holiday season, but also encourages interaction and engagement among residents and businesses.

“Businesses will have their windows decorated in a holiday theme, whatever holiday means to them,” she explained.

Last year, Haig’s of Rochester’s holiday window design took home the Judge’s Choice Award.

“Participating in the downtown environment makes everything special down in Rochester — the lights, the windows — it really gives people a reason to come to a destination like Rochester,” said Paul Haig, who owns Haig’s of Rochester.

Haig said he’s always trying to push other merchants into participating because he thinks it creates a lot of interest, adding that he tries to do something different every year.

“This year, we are going to do revolving pieces in the window,” he said. “We do all sorts of fun things every year. We did robotics one year, with computers throwing things back and forth. We had Santa Claus and trains, and Santa Claus talking. We want it to be over the top. We want to get real interest.”

The winners of this year’s Holiday Window Contest will be revealed during Lagniappe on Monday, Nov. 20, which also serves as the kickoff to The Big, Bright Light Show.

“Onstage at Lagniappe, we will actually announce the People’s Choice winner and the Judge’s Choice winner, and the winning businesses will receive a plaque,” O’Dell said.

A complete list of participating businesses and maps is located at www.downtownrochestermi.com/holiday-window-contest.

For more information, visit www.DowntownRochesterMI.com or call the Rochester Downtown Development Authority at (248) 656-0060.