MOUNT VERNON — The 2011 Heritage Centre Association Christmas Window Display winners have been announced for the delightful decorations celebrating the holidays filling the windows of downtown businesses. Judges from the HCA Design Committee and Board, strolled the streets to see the displays. Many businesses incorporated the theme selected for the parade, bringing to life “A Christmas Stroll with Mother Goose” throughout the district.
In the category for Most Unique, the award was presented to Red Z Gallery in its new location at 227 S. Main St. The display was designed in shades of red and white filled with packages wrapped in unique papers and ribbons surrounded by music. This display stood out among all the judges as each were impressed by the beauty.
Best Theme honor was awarded to Paul’s Flowers on Public Square, which won the award for Best Overall in the 2010 season. Patrons will enter the shop under the “Mary Had a Little Lamb” staff which outlines the doorway into the flower shop. The front window is packed full of holiday decor including a Christmas tree and a garden arbor arch adorned with objects, ornaments and pages of what seems to be every imaginable Mother Goose rhyme. This year, the HCA presented a new traveling plaque to be presented to Paul’s Flowers for this special category with the theme that is chosen by the Mount Vernon News each season.
The winner of the traveling plaque for Best Overall Christmas Window Display goes to a three-time favorite over the past 12 years — Flowers For You. They will be the keeper of the plaque for the coming year, following it will be on display in the HCA office at 102 South Main Street while a new plaque which will begin to travel amongst the winners each year. Their front windows include Christmas trees decked out for the season and clusters of poinsettias in all colors.
Three honorable mentions were presented to Creative Foundations, The Pink Cupcake and Williams Flower Shop.
Judges were impressed by the time spent on many of the windows this season.
