The promotional event, which ran from Dec. 15 to 31, encouraged local businesses to decorate their window displays for the holiday season. The community then voted on the Escanaba DDA’s website.

“We had 16 businesses participate, which I think shows a tremendous pride and effort by the business owners to create a festive and welcoming atmosphere in the downtown during the Christmas season,” said Craig Woerpel, DDA director. “(Decorating) not only makes a business look inviting but enhances the customer shopping experience.”

Woerpel announced the contest winners Tuesday: Delta Hair Company took the crown with 28% of total votes cast; Nevaeh Salon was another finalist, taking 19%; Haas Hearing, 17%; KCL Embroidery & Kreations, 12%; and Tri-County Safe Harbor, 10%. This year’s winner received an advertising package from the Daily Press and Radio Results Network for their elite display.

Christa Madgwick, owner of Delta Hair Company at 1308 Ludington St., commented on their intricate window display.

Receiving advertising packages for winning the "Walking in a Winter Windowland" Christmas decorating contest is Christa Madgwick, center, owner of Delta Hair Company. Presenting the awards are Jessica Larsen, Radio Results Network, center left; and Cassie Lanaville, center right, U.P. Action and Daily Press. Delta Hair Company workers include, from left, Ashley Myszkier, Shelby Boudreau, Kylie Bender and Stephanie Naser. (Courtesy photo)

“(Customers) loved it,” Madgwick said. “They noticed it right away, as soon as I changed it.”

Some of Madgwick’s clients even contributed to the display, adding the large trees made of round ornaments.

“Delta Hair Company was able to tap into holiday nostalgia and capture that small-town feeling. Christa knows the importance of not only decorating for the holidays but to focus on their window displays all year long,” Woerpel said.

Madgwick stuck with a red theme in Delta Hair Company’s window display this year, noting, “Red signifies Santa and Christmastime. Everyone associates red with Christmas and I just wanted it to be more themed and stand out.”

The business draws attention through their window displays year-round, as Madgwick changes the display monthly.

“A lot of our customers like our window displays in general but Christmastime is a bigger holiday because most of our clients come through our doors during this season,” she said.

The “Walking in the Winter Windowland” promotion started last year after it was suggested by business owners during a DDA Business Partners Committee meeting as a way to encourage businesses to decorate for the holidays. Unlike last year, when the community could vote on any business that appeared to decorate in some way, businesses this time had to register online to participate.

“We have already seen an increase in the number of businesses that decorate for the holidays,” Woerpel said. “I expect to see even more in coming years as businesses realize the importance of providing a festive atmosphere for downtown shoppers.”