The jury of CAC members Hugo Correa, Levonia Corry, Diane Hundley, Laurie Klaus, and Lewellen Padgett were joined by Larissa Harper, Downtown Salisbury executive director and City staff Kaisha Brown and Alyssa Nelson as they enjoyed viewing over 45 seasonal displays created by downtown businesses. The group selected eight awards to recognize the seasonal creativity of ten different shopkeepers.
Maison Monroe, at 105 W. Innes St. was a unanimous choice for The Best Overall Awardfor its quintessentially southern display using dried hydrangeas and Spanish moss complemented by shades of pale aqua and twinkling lights to capture the soft glamour of the season. The jury especially appreciated the effort by this new shop to accentuate its prime location on a main traffic artery.
This season’s Classical Eleganceaward goes to both Tonyan Graceand Caniche, both located in the 200 block of South Main St. Another new business in town, Tonyan Grace’s display was noted for its use of golds and burgundy to highlight its inventory of handbags and dresses. The overall effect is one of posh serenity. Caniche, a perennial holiday delight, captures an “old meets new” vibe using white iron bedsteads surrounding a fuchsia metallic tree abounding with packages tied up in complimentary colors.
Lora Belle Babyand Skinny Wheels tied for theChristmas in Motion award.Lora Belle’s lifelike and life-sized moving reindeer protecting gifts available in the shop is a showstopper, while Skinny Wheels’ Santa snoozing by the fire while an elf works on a bike brings a twinkle to every eye.
The Silent Night award goes to the peaceful display of a willow bower trimmed with twinkling lights and set for a nighttime toast at Salisbury Wine Shop. Any shopper will feel the holiday invitation when they view this window.
Southern Sass, next to theMeroney Theatre, is this year’s winner of theBest Nighttime Display with its winning combination of snowflakes, twinkling lights and snowmen, drawing attention to its merchandise.
The jury awarded the Taking Time for Christmasaward to Walser Tech Groupfor its window showing the personality of the business. Stockings for each employee in front of a tree topped by Sharknado demonstrates that even a small tech business located in our downtown can encourage shoppers to enjoy the season.
Faced with the challenge of choosing between long established entrants and multiple new competitors, the group decided to honor The Lettered Lilyand Textile Productswith the Christmas by Designaward. Year after year these businesses create displays that capture the imagination of viewers while showing off each businesses’ strengths. The Lettered Lily’s windows are arrayed with multiple trees made of curled paper trumpets accented with tones of teal. Each window of Textile Products’ N. Main storefront captures a different mood of Christmas from the hushed elegance of a silent night to the joy of a Santa sighting, creating a tableau certain to bring ho ho ho’s all around.
Each year the Commission delights in recognizing business owners whose displays encourage investment in downtown Salisbury and continue to enhance our economy. Winners will be honored for their contributions at the CAC’s Biennial Awards program.