Dexter Businesses Vie for Best-Dressed Holiday Window

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Dexter as local businesses get decked out in holiday themes for the  annual window decorating contest.

Eighteen businesses throughout the community are participating in this year's competition for a chance at bragging rights.

"(Voting) is going very well," Abby Erickson, executive director of the DACC said. "We received a lot of positive response from businesses last year when we launched the competition."

Anne Kornow, co-owner of , said the friendly competition is a great way to attract visitors to the community.

"Last year we won first place for our display," Kornow said. "It's something fun to do and I have noticed people stopping and looking at the windows."

This year the store is featuring a Santa display with some of its holiday gifts for sale.

"I overheard one of the other businesses joke about how we shouldn't be eligible because we're artists," Kornow said.

Theresa Whitley, owner of , won second place last year and is hoping to impress judges with her display of traditional Christmas themes.

"One mannequin is reading the Bible. It's a subliminal message that we should remember the true meaning of Christmas; that's what's in my heart," she said.

Laura Telesco and Catherine Swan, , said the competition helps give the village a festive feel for the holidays.

"It puts everyone in the holiday spirit," Telesco said. "There are some really good entries this year."

Other businesses participating in the competition include: , , , , , , , Joe & Rosie's, , , Modern Vintage, , , and . 

Voting is currently underway on the chamber website. Winners will be announced in January. Prizes will be awarded for the categories of Best Window Design, Most Creative Design and Best Use of Product in Window Design.