The 2019 Downtown Planter decorating contest winners from Twin Willows Nursing Home. Left to right: Cathy Marble, Jerry Marble, and Mona Owens. Photo by Christian Boyles.
Downtown Salem will begin to look a lot more like Christmas starting this weekend thanks to the Daffy Dill Garden Club.
Past President Pat Warden says they are holding their second annual decorating contest for the downtown planter boxes.
“This year is called the Hometown Holiday Decorating Contest. And they will be starting this Saturday on the 14th and they have until the 19th to get up their decorations. It will be judged on the 21st and 22nd.”
Warden says it is a mystery what the 26 participating businesses are planning.
“Last year it was so wonderful. There was so much creativity and we were really amazed with how wonderful it was. And this year because of Covid we need even more cheering up for the Christmas holidays. And another nice thing is people last year and again this year said they were doing it for the community because the community needs it more so than the prizes. Although the prizes are pretty substantial.”
The first-place prize will be $500, second place $300, and third place $200. The winners will be announced on November 25th.
Warden says while the garden club stayed active this year in maintaining the Bryan Statue Garden and downtown planter boxes, they have not been able to meet since Spring and the annual garden tour had to be canceled.
Participating businesses include…
Gadget Gurus
Sutherland & Rankin Funeral Hom
Purcell Electric Company
Iuka State Bank
Somer Real Estate
Chapmans
PEO Chapter D.T.
Joe Black Agency
Momma Antonios
First Financial Bank
Mission Salem
Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy
Salem Travel
Twin Willow Nursing Home
Dr. James B. Stiehl
Salem Bike Shop
Foreman & Kessler
Green Beauty Supply
Kert Martin State Farm
Steve’s Antiques
Wabash Communications
Country Creek Treasures
Marion County Savings Bank
Kane Insurance Agency
J. Lane Boutique
Salem Chamber of Commerce
