Bill Chandler of Chandler Architecture on Kent Street is the overall winner of the 2011 Winter Tide Holiday Festival Christmas window/display decorating contest in Charlottetown.
The contest is sponsored by Downtown Charlottetown Inc. in partnership with the City of Charlottetown.
"Bill takes Christmas window decorating on as a serious business," says Dawn Alan, executive director of DCI.
"He invests time, effort and funds to the project and creates beautiful festive animated windows for all to enjoy. This year he has created four elaborate themed windows in vacant storefronts on Kent Street. Lights, bears, pups and penguins peer out of windows awaiting shoppers to stop and admire them. A must see for anyone who wants a dose of Christmas spirit."
Alan says the displays get better every year. He said all of the participants are to be congratulation for their effort and for the festive beauty they add to the city this time of year.
"You have to make a trip down to see the themed trees in Confederation Centre created lovingly by decorators Kathy Rooney and Lynn Hodgson of the Friends of Confederation Center and , Bill's Winter Wonderland windows on Kent light up in the evening for all to enjoy. You just can't help but smile when you see them."
Chandler will get to keep the grand trophy which he can display until this time next year. The trophy will be presented by Mayor Clifford Lee.
Judges for 2011 were Sue Hendricken, representing the city, Kay Doherty from The Guardian and Dave Stewart of Graphic Communications.
Other winners selected by the judges are:
Exterior Winners: 1) Vitality Spa, 54 Grafton; 2) Heckberts Studios, 101 Grafton Street; 3) Moonsnail, 111 Grafton.
Interior Winners: 1) The Friends of Confederation Center of the Arts; 2) Moving Designz, 98 Fitzroy; 3) Queen Street Outlet, 117 Queen Street.
Restaurants: 1) Mavors Bistro, by The Friends of Confederation Centre; 2) The Merchantman, 23 Queen Street; 3) Globe World Flavours, 132 Richmond.
Honourable mention: Anne's Chocolates; Northern Watters Knitwear.
