Retailers on Congress Avenue are invited to participate in the Downtown Stroll on December 1 from 7–9p.m. Participate by decorating windows, staying open late, offering specials or getting creative with your own ideas!

Rules for Participation

• Decorations must be in place by 8 a.m. on November 27 for the Chuy's Parade and removed no sooner than January 2, 2011.
• Participants must use illumination in some form and keep it on a timer from dusk until 10 p.m. or later each evening. This is to provide both a day and nighttime presence.
• Windows should be kept clean during the duration of the decoration period.
• In order to receive recognition and be eligible for the contest, participants must complete the Retailer Registration Form and return it by October 30.
• Although anyone can participate in holiday decorations, businesses or property owners must be located on or adjacent to Congress Avenue between 11th Street and Cesar Chavez to participate in the contest.

Voting Process

• There will be a public "popular vote" polling on December 4 during the Holiday Sing-Along & Downtown Stroll. Patrons will be encouraged to visit your window displays and vote.

Recognition

• Participating businesses' logos will be listed in our event program and website through the end of the Holiday Sing-Along & Downtown Stroll on December 4, 2011. Contest winners will also be announced in the DAA newsletter.

Suggested Themes

The following suggestions will help us achieve a cohesive and powerful statement but are only meant as guidelines.

• LIGHTS: The use of lights in any format, especially clear, white, mini lights, will be the most important thing you can do. Reflective surfaces, glitter and mirrors are also highly visible.
• MOTION: The use of motion, either mechanical or animation projection, is always a big crowd pleaser and attention getter.
• THEME: "Transformation" is the theme of the Holiday Sing-along & Downtown Stroll. The color white will be used extensively on the avenue by art groups and in our general streetscape décor. If you choose to use white in your décor you will add to the drama.

Window Inspiration Links

• http://www.achildgrows.com/2008/12/19/holiday-windows-and-holiday-places-to-see/
• http://www.atlanticstation.com/press_holidaywindows.php?oid=oid%3A5766
• http://magnificentmilelightsfestival.com/design-contest/
• http://www.glamoursplash.com/2009/12/magical-window-dressing-for-holidays.html