Downtown Businesses Decorate Storefront Windows To Celebrate Their Independents

Watson's Insurance had the winning window. The window was painted by employee Michelle Diciuccio and her daughter Laurel Diciuccio {a Jr. at Maiden High School}

Local business owners in downtown Lincolnton showed off their artistic skills as they celebrated the 4^th of July by painting the downtown in red, white & blue. The Downtown Development Association {DDA} once again sponsored the 4^th of July Window Decorating Contest, where local, independent businesses were encouraged to decorate their storefront windows with a patriotic theme. The participating businesses had the chance to win one of four cash prizes: 1^st place will receive $100, 2^nd Place $75, 3^rd Place $50 and 4^th Place $25.

The 4^th of July Committee, who is responsible for the judging of the windows, had their work cut out for them this year! While many downtown businesses decorated their storefronts, the twelve businesses that participated in the contest, amazed citizens away with their creativity. The winners were announced as follows:

1^st Place - Watson’s Insurance

2^nd Place - 36^th Street Bakery & Café

3^rd Place - Glamorous Productions

4^th Place - Main Street Café

Honorable Mention-Estate Jewelers & Treasure’s On Main

The 4th of July Window Decorating Contest is a part of the DDA’s award-winning promotional event- Independents Days, which was recognized by the N.C. Main Street Center as Best Downtown Special Event in 2008.

Independents Days, in short, was created to celebrate locally owned and independent businesses in downtown Lincolnton. The event, which is held July 1 - 14, includes the Shop Local Challenge, the Find Your Independents Scavenger Hunt, the 4^th of July window decorating contest, and – returning again this year - the 3/50 Project. Each event is intended to drive traffic into business, and to introduce new potential customers to their products and services.

If you have any questions about Independents Days or the 4^th of July Window Decorating Contest, please contact The Downtown Development Association at 704-736-8915 or by emailing charitycarson@ci.lincolnton.nc.us. Thank you to all the participating businesses for your support in this patriotic event.