By By Adam Prestridge
Christmas is in the air and on the light poles throughout the City of Atmore.
Last week, Utilities Board employees draped Santa's reindeer across Main Street and hung snowflakes from power poles, which set the mood for the holiday season.
The Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce is giving local businesses the opportunity to join in the spirit of Christmas with its annual Window Decorating Contest.
"It's a way to encourage our retail merchants to do something extra special to help make our community look more festive," Chamber director Emilie Mims said. "In the past, we have been blown away by some of the ideas the merchants have come up with. A lot of people go all out and they have a whole lot of fun with it."
In keeping with the same theme as this year's Christmas parade, which will be held at 5 p.m. on Dec. 3, the Window Decorating Contest is themed "A Storybook Christmas".
The rules for this year's contest are simple. Merchants are asked to use white lights and you must contact the Chamber before Wednesday, Nov. 30 if you wish to be judged. There is no entry fee.
Judging will take place on the evening of Dec. 1 and will be based on originality, theme and appearance.
Mims said not only will the Window Decorating Contest help make the city look joyful this Christmas, she said it also makes it memorable for the children in the community.
"When families ride around during Christmas it means so much more for the children if the windows are lighted," she said. "It's a win-win situation for the retail merchants and the community."
The Chamber of Commerce will also host Santa Claus in Heritage Park from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Dec. 1. Free chili will be served and train rides will be available. Professional photography packages by Captured Moments can be purchased for $10 and include a 5×7 and four wallets.
For more information or if you wish to join the contest call the Chamber at 368-3305.