Downtown businesses poured love & creativity into their holiday windows this year – and the results are simply breathtaking. Thank you to all 44 businesses who participated in our annual contest. We needed sparkle, magic, and wonder in a BIG way this year – and you delivered.
Without further ado, here are the winners of Portland Downtown's 2020 Holiday Window Display Contest.
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BEST OVERALL
Uncommon Paws
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Picture perfect is the only way to describe Uncommon Paws' masterpiece. Our judges loved that the entire space felt very full and ornate, yet uncluttered and expertly composed at the same time. It's a true celebration of holiday warmth and cheer – and a stunning showcase for Uncommon Paws' new digs at 21 Exchange Street.
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COMMUNITY CHOICE
Gus & Ruby Letterpress
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This lovely display by Gus & Ruby Letterpress garnered the most votes on Facebook – almost 350! – making it our Community Choice winner. Dozens of curated, colorful goods are neatly perched on weathered posts of varying heights. Very pleasing to the eye indeed!
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COMMUNITY CHOICE RUNNER-UP
Waterlily
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With an impressive 325 votes, Waterlily's display is our Runner-Up for Community Choice. This vibrant offering features hand-painted details, bold colors, and an overall feeling of zen. Simply gorgeous.
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BEST THEME
Maine Craft Portland
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Maine Craft Portland captured Best Theme for the second year in a row. Their window display – entitled ESSENTIALS – is accompanied by a thoughtful Artist's Statement: "The staff of Maine Craft Portland have built larger than life tools out of recycled materials collected over the years. We want to highlight these tools of the trades – and beyond – which are essential to our craft artists and allow the viewer a peek into studio life. With each piece you purchase this holiday season, either in the gallery or online at Shop Maine Craft, you are supporting the essential craftspeople who use these tools each day to create the work we all enjoy."
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BEST USE OF MERCHANDISE
Vena's Fizz House
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It's a Vintage Tiki Christmas at Vena's Fizz House! Our judges were swept away by the island vibes & tropical flavors celebrated in this display. Look closely and you'll see recipes for Vena's Mai Tais and other signature cocktails & mocktails. Bliss!
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MOST ORIGINAL
Still A Good Cause
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In this astonishing display from Still A Good Cause Thrift Shop, a spellbinding woman in green is holding a sign that reads, "Welcome to the Enchanted Forest of Misfit Christmas Trees." The eerily beautiful forest is filled with trees composed of found objects such as neckties, watches, teacups, and more. It's an incredible, original piece of art that demands to be seen.
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BEST MESSAGES OF HOPE
MECA and Coffee By Design
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It's been a tough year in so many ways, and these displays offer powerful, uplifting messages not only for our local community, but for the world at large. MECA reminds us to "Hold On To Each Other" (even when we can't) while Coffee By Design delivers an eternal message of forgiveness, gratitude, tolerance, and acceptance.
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BEST NEWCOMER
Colby Company Engineering
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Colby Company's brightly lit and cheerful display was a big hit on social media – with one fan commenting, "This one makes me happy!" We totally agree. The adorable snowman (not to mention his cute puppy friend) are practicing "safety first." A nearby sign reads, "Have a constructive holiday!" On-brand and totes adorbs.
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BEST ENCAPSULATES 2020
The Blue Lobster
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You can always count on The Blue Lobster for an inventive, chuckle-inducing window display. In the center, a sign reads, "2020 was full of gloom and doom. Spread your holiday cheer through Zoom!" Look closely and you'll see a delightful motley crew including Patron Saint Dolly Parton; Maine Hero Dr. Nirav Shah; News Anchor Turned Fitness Model Lee Nelson; Buddy the Elf; Clark "Sparky" Griswold; and many more.
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Our judges were simply awestruck by Juju's display, which was recognized last year as Best Newcomer. The colors and composition are sheer perfection. We want to go there now.
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HONORABLE MENTION
Edgecomb Potters
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The simple, yet striking monochromatic color scheme of Edgecomb Potters' window instantly caught the attention of our judges. Those emerald hues coupled with natural, living elements really make it shine.
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Thank you to our prize donors |
Our winners in the major categories – Best Overall, Community Choice, Best Theme, Best Use of Merchandise, Most Original, and Best Use of Merchandise – will enjoy fabulous prizes courtesy of some of our favorite local marketing & media companies including:
Thank you all for supporting local businesses! Special thanks to Convinced Photography for being our longtime photographer for the Window Display Contest.
Happy Holidays from Portland Downtown!
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