Thursday, December 16, 2021
Historic Westminster Holiday Lights Winners Announced
Local businesses host friendly competition to spread cheer
Ten local businesses have illuminated Historic Westminster with festive displays for the holiday season – and bragging rights.
The friendly competition started as an idea in an email thread between small business owners in the area and grew to include many of the shops and storefronts around 73rd and Lowell.
“It all fell into place, amplifying those positive holiday feelings in Historic Westminster,” said Stephanie Troller, Business Development Manager for the City of Westminster.
Even a friendly competition needs an impartial judge to declare a winner, so the group invited Westminster Police officers who normally serve the area to weigh in. Three officers from Westminster PD spent an evening walking and talking with participating business owners, who explained their decorations and made connections with their local law enforcement.
Officer Ryan Solano said that beyond judging the holiday lights, he enjoyed meeting the business owners and learning more about what they do in the community.
“I learned that a lot of these business have deep roots here in Westminster,” Ryan said. “Listening to some of the stories was very interesting for me, being newer to the city. I'd like people to know that we're here to help. Don't be afraid to say hello. We make the community safer together.”
The volunteer judging panel comprised of Solano, Officer Julie Gantt, and Officer David Carillo, developed criteria and judged the holiday displays based on theme and overall appearance. The top three winners are:
First Place: DAO Architecture
Second Place: A Creative Corner
Third Place: Ceremony Center for Healing
Along with an honorable mention to Electric City, whose display was not able to be evaluated, the judges and the City of Westminster offer their congratulations to all the participating businesses in Historic Westminster for a fun friendly competition that spreads cheer to all.
“These are multi-generational businesses, and they want to see their neighbors succeed,” Troller said. “This area is really dedicated. They are deeply passionate about their community. I’d like for people to get down there and see for themselves how positivity can really change things.”
If you’d like to see the holiday lights for yourself, visit these participating businesses in Historic Westminster:
Aar River Gallery
Art gallery
3707 W. 73rd Ave
A Creative Corner
Craft & coffee shop
3965 W. 73rd Avenue
Ceremony Center for Healing
Practices in yoga, meditation and Reiki
7269 Lowell Blvd
Custom Flag Shop
Flags and custom banner shop
3995 W. 73rd Ave
DAO Architecture
Architecture firm
7230 Meade St
Electric City
Vintage record and repair shop
7225 Lowell Blvd
Gigantic Co
Art Studio
7265 Lowell Blvd
Iddle Bits of This & That
Art gallery
3969 W 73rd Ave
Mi Vida Strings
Musical repair shop
3702 W. 72nd Ave
Sweets of Inspiration
Bakery & café
7305 Lowell Blvd #180