CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield Revitalization Corporation, (CRC) created and implemented a “Classic Christmas” storefront decorating contest to entice businesses to spread the holiday spirit throughout the downtown, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for the community of Clearfield.
The CRC Design Committee selected businesses that used their creativity and incorporated decorating tips outlined in the Visual Merchandising Workshop that was held on Nov. 9. The deadline to be decorated was Dec. 3, as the Spirit of Downtown Tour occurred on the same evening.
The CRC was delightedly overwhelmed by the amount of businesses that participated in the first-year event and had difficulty picking just one winning storefront.
Further, Kellie Truman, Main Street Manager of the CRC said, “We were so impressed with the amount of thought, creativity and time that went into the storefronts in the Main Street District. With that, we chose a first place, second place and honorable mentions. It was a difficult decision to determine finalists.”
The first place winner was Kim’s Gifts and Co-Op, located on South Second Street. Design Chairwoman Katie Miknis said “the storefront had the highest “WOW” factor.
“It is attractive, enticing and Kim’s Gifts displayed their own products to showcase what its store is all about. These are all tips taken directly from the Visual Merchandising Workshop,” she said.
“There is no confusion about their product, and it draws your eyes within three seconds of passing. Also, this storefront is very historical to the community, as it was Brody’s many years ago. It is enjoyable to see the storefront lit up so beautiful after many years.”
Owner Kim Watlack was touched when receiving the news.
“We decorated in hopes of being noticed. We are a fresh business in downtown and want to be involved in the revitalization events. We’re absolutely honored to receive first place,” Watlack said.
The second place winner was Spanky’s Courthouse Café, which is located on Third Street.
Miknis said the storefront outlined a great use of a small space.
“As a restaurant, it’s not easy to showcase your product in your windows like retail. However, we think they did a wonderful job and used their creativity,” she said. “Business cards from other businesses in downtown are used as snowflakes in their display.
“This truly outlines the goal of the CRC which is the community working together to better itself. Spanky’s storefront is symbolic to the contest as a whole, and that there are dozens of great storefronts and together they all have made downtown appear attractive, ready and inviting for the holidays.”
Owner Mona Rauch shared her experience of decorating her storefront.
“For many years, we decorated our storefront, but there was no program promoting the small businesses in downtown. We are thankful of the CRC and their effort, and happy to be recognized for our hard work and creativity. We also partnered with other businesses like the Clearfield Florist and the Clearfield Pharmacy to incorporate products from other downtown businesses into our storefront. We are happy to work together with other small businesses like us, she said.”
The CRC Design Committee felt there were so many businesses honorable of mention, choosing just one became too difficult.
Keely Casteel, president of the CRC said the entire Design Committee was overwhelmed and humbled by the participation of so many businesses in downtown Clearfield.
“Everywhere you look around downtown, you can see different and unique examples of what a ‘classic Christmas’ is in Clearfield,” she said. She said there were four honorable mentions: Clearfield Florist located on Third Street; Community Action located on Cherry Street; Ethan’s Cafe/Angry Bean located on Third Street; and Historica Plus located on Market Street.
Casteel said, “This event a solid win, not just for a few businesses, but for all of downtown.” The CRC thanks everyone involved in this event and encourages businesses to continue thinking about decorations for each season year- around.”
Truman added, “We are thrilled at the response of this contest. (The) downtown is welcoming, brighter and happier as a result. Changing a town takes the effort of the community, making everyone a winner.”