Local businesses encouraged to participate in Stampede store decorating contest

It’s time for businesses and community groups to show off their Stampede spirit with the annual store decorating contest fast approaching.

“The theme this year is Strong and Free: Celebrating Canada’s 150th and the Stampede,” said Nicole Keeler, chair of the store decorating committee for Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede.

It’s a chance to get the community involved in a good kickoff prior to the start of Stampede, said Keeler, with the competition taking place July 19 from about 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Categories for the competition include: Institutions/community services, banks, retail stores, nonretail/offices, bars/restaurants/hotels/fast food, and first-time entrants.

“Celebrity judges” for this year include the Mayor and Stampede Queen and Princess, with plenty of prizes up for grabs.

Keeler encouraged stores and businesses to sign up for the competition, as it’s a way to be seen in the community and be involved with stampede.

“And it’s just a nice way to build teamwork and work together, to have everyone join in and have a good time,” she said.

The competition gets better each year, Keeler said, and more competitive as well.

“You see what someone does the first year and if they don’t win, they think ‘oh, need to step it up,’” she said. “It’s fun to see what they build on from the year before.

“It’s even the same for the people who have been in it before, they keep stepping it up because they want to keep that title of the best decorated store for the challenge.”

The deadline for entries is July 14, but applications are often accepted afterward. For more information, visit www.mhstampede.com.