Businesses in downtown Orlando are getting into the Christmas spirit with a new contest that's making the city more festive.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing what they’re going to do," said Orlando Commissioner Patty Sheehan for the Deck the Downtown contest.  “I still think we can get that magic downtown and get people enjoying those festivities.”

More than 30 participating bars, restaurants and businesses asked local artists to decorate store windows.
 Following the contest's conclusion on Dec. 17, winners will be crowned in categories, like Most Original/Creative and Best Window Painting.

Last week, organizers, including the Downtown Orlando Partnership, kicked off the contest at Frosty's Christmastime Lounge on East Central Boulevard in Orlando. They said they hoped to get people to travel downtown and visit businesses they might not normally frequent.


“They used to do these ornate storefronts," Sheehan said, reminiscing about her childhood trips with her grandmother to see fanciful storefronts in Cleveland. "And that’s the one thing in downtown Orlando that we’ve never really done, is really dress up our downtown."

Commissioner Sheehan and others said that the contest revolves around more than paint and lights. Rather they hope it may spur an annual tradition, centered around artwork, community and holiday spirit.

“There’s a reason we buy Christmas decorations and everything like that. To really set the season," Sheehan said.

For two days, artist Karen Tschida carefully painted the window of the Dapper Duck bar on South Orange Avenue.

“This is my first window. But, it’s turning out better than I thought," she said. “I definitely take it seriously. I know people will be walking by to see it.”

The bar is competing in the contest. Tschida, meanwhile, said she's happy to be involved and excited at the prospect of additional opportunities.