Business owners encouraged to think inside the box.
Beaver Street Brewery has embraced the season with its playful “Hoppy Holidays” scene with multi-colored Christmas trees, while Lumberyard Brewing Company’s window proclaims, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time for a Beer.” These displays, along with many others, are part of the Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance’s effort to spread joy and encourage local shopping.
“We’re thrilled for the return of our annual contest,” said DBA Executive Director Hunter Hebert. “Our incredible local businesses have poured their creativity and holiday spirit into designing stunning window displays that transform our charming streets into a true winter wonderland.”
The contest isn’t just about holiday spirit – it’s about community. At Mountain Sports Flagstaff, owner Lisa Lamberson enlisted Het Hout Interiors to craft a festive display featuring outdoor-inspired décor and mannequins dressed for the wintry season.
“This collaboration with another amazing Flagstaff business highlights the strength and spirit of our local downtown,” Lamberson said. “Every shop adds something special to the charm of our mountain town.”
For Beaver Street Brewery, the contest is a chance to connect with the community. “It was a super fun opportunity to participate,” said General Manager Rachel Crowe. “We love being involved in downtown events that foster a sense of community. Our ‘Hoppy Holidays’ display has been a hit with customers.”
Flagstaff’s longest-running continuous brokerage, Realty Executives of Northern Arizona, also joined in the fun, with broker Gary Nelson reflecting on tradition and history. “We have a historic building with windows dating back to 1892, and we’re happy to decorate them for the contest,” he said.
Shoppers play a key role in the contest, casting their votes online through Dec. 31, to determine the winner. Drinking Horn Meadery has claimed the title for the past two years.
“In the past, we’ve tied together traditional Norse stories: the Yule goat and Odin were thought to have been the origin of some of the Christmas stories we have now,” said Drinking Horn Meadery Sales and Marketing Director Nick Irvine. “This year, our window display is another beautiful piece with Celtic knots wrapping around it.”
“Whether you’re a local or just visiting, we invite everyone to stroll through downtown, soak in the twinkling lights, enjoy the festive displays and shop at our local small businesses,” Hebert said. FBN
By Bonnie Stevens, FBN
To explore the displays and vote online for your favorite, visit downtownflagstaff.org/holidays/window-decorating-contest. The contest runs through Dec. 31. The window winner will receive a catered lunch for their business by a local restaurant.
Courtesy Photo: Drinking Horn Meadery has won the annual Downtown Flagstaff Window Decorating Contest for the past two years with Norse themes. This year’s display is tied together with Celtic Knots.
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