Businesses and/or business window sponsors within the City of Great Bend are wanted for a downtown Santas Around the World Window Decorating Contest. Entry applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 9, to be judged for the free contest.

The contest is sponsored by the Rosewood Roots & Wings Santa Committee. Windows must be decorated by Nov. 20 for the Nov. 21-27 judging period. The winner will be announced Saturday, Nov. 28, during the Home for the Holidays Parade Festival.

The R&W Santa Committee is offering a $1,500 prize to the grand champion of this contest, $1,000 to the reserve champion and $500 as a third-place award.

This is an opportunity for downtown businesses to showcase their unique personalities, each of which makes our community truly one-of-a-kind, sponsors said. This is also an opportunity for businesses to “shine” at the annual Home for the Holidays Parade.

All businesses located downtown and “vacant window decorators” are eligible. For questions contact Anna Hammond at 620-793-5888 or visit www.SantasAroundTheWorld.com.

Photos of the businesses will be shared throughout the judging period on Rosewood’s Facebook page and on the Santas Around the World Facebook page. The sponsors strongly recommend that windows decorated for this contest be lit up in some form at night, especially during the holiday parade and festivities. The contest is for window decorations that are visible from the exterior only. Judging will be done from outside the building.

Displays must be family friendly, creative and festive. Judging criteria includes presentation, workmanship, originality and the use of lights.

There is no cost to enter. The contest is limited to business windows within the downtown area. View the website for vacant windows available for decorating.