UPDATE: Winner of Whimsical Windows decorating contest has been ‘Crowned’

The votes are in, and Daytonians have decided which Downtown Dayton business brought the most holiday cheer to its storefront.

Crowne Plaza Dayton won this year’s annual Whimsical Windows decorating contest by earning 1,292 of the total 4,015 votes. The contest, put on by the Downtown Dayton Partnership, ran online from early December through Dec. 30.

“We were so happy to see the holiday spirit that 29 downtown businesses put in the decorations of their storefronts with our annual Whimsical Windows contest,” said Allison Swanson, marketing manager with the Downtown Dayton Partnership. “And this year was extra special, with 15 businesses teaming up with Modern College of Design students to decorate.”

Crowne’s impressive display also included a hidden cutout of Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, which Swanson expected gave some passersby a smile.

“Whether it was a walk-through downtown to enjoy the outdoors, or on a shopping trip for holiday gifts, we know customers and visitors in downtown Dayton enjoy seeing the variety of holiday decorations,” Swanson said.

The DDP used a new “winner format” in this year’s competition, with just one winner of the $600 prize. In previous years, there were first, second and third prize winners.

The 2019 winners included The Architectural Group in first place, Platinum Black Salon and Spa in second place and Clash Dayton in third.

“Every year, the Whimsical Windows designs give a way for our businesses to have a little creative fun in a friendly competition, but also is the perfect way for friends or families to take a walk through downtown Dayton to see all of the displays and even find a new business they might not have known about,” Swanson said. “We hope that people also choose to take the extra step and support our small businesses in downtown Dayton, too.”

Participants included:

Grace Lane Boutique

Heart Mercantile

K12 Gallery & TEJAS

La’Ren Salon

Lily’s Dayton

Luna Gifts & Botanicals

Now and Zen DIY Studio

Omega Music

Oregon Express

Platinum Black Salon

Reza’s

RTA

Skeleton Dust

Space Three

Square One Salon and Spa

The Architectural Group

The Wellness Studio

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