Christmas Market sponsoring “Christmas Carol Contest” for merchants on the square

In honor of the Carlinville Christmas Market’s 20th anniversary this year, the festival’s organizers are bringing back a holiday tradition.  The group is sponsoring a Christmas decoration contest for merchants on the square and within a half block of it in each direction.

“We’re calling it the ‘Christmas Carol Contest’ because each business can select its own Christmas song as the theme for its window- decoration effort,” said committee chair Mandy Konneker. 

 “Merchants have gotten more enthused about their decorating each year, so we thought a contest would be a good incentive to keep improving.  And tying it all together with a common theme this year will give the holiday spirit an extra spark for our 20th anniversary,” she explained

Cash prizes will be awarded to the three winners -- $100 for first place, $75 for second, and $50 for third.  Winners also will receive some Christmas Market souvenir items.

Earlier this month, Konneker mailed participation letters to all of the town-square merchants, asking them to let her know by November 20 if they wish to participate and which Christmas carol they want as their theme.  “The ones who responded first, of course, got their choice of carols,” Konneker said.  “We’ve asked all of the businesses to submit two or three songs in case their first choice has already been claimed. Some businesses haven’t responded yet, but they still have a couple of days to get in on the fun. 

For participating businesses, the deadline for having storefronts decorated and eligible for judging is November 30. “There will be three celebrity judges whose names we we’re keeping a secret until after the winners have been announced.” Konneker added.  “They will walk the square with their score sheets and award points based on creativity, originality in illustrating the selected carol, and overall presentation.”

Winners will be announced right after the Christmas Market’s opening ceremony, which starts at 3 p.m. on Friday, December 4.