More than 1700 voters participated in the 2014 Window Wonderland competition. Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University are happy to announce the winners of that competition today.

From November 13 until December 7, the public was encouraged to cast their votes for 40 Downtown storefronts that were decorated by 100 local art students. Voters simply had to send their vote in by text message. Additional motivation included over $450 worth of Downtown prizes for voters. Students and businesses promoted the competition for motivations of their own. Their prizes included $1000 for the 1st place student team, and $1000 worth of advertising for the winning business.

This year, the following winners were selected.

  • 1st Place: Cheeky Strut Salon and Spa
  • 2nd Place: One Stop Coney Shop
  • 3rd Place: Taco Bob’s
  • Honorable Mention: Renee Austin Wedding

“In just its second year, we have seen the participation and the excitement for the competition grow substantially,” said Kristopher Larson, President and CEO of Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. “The artists were eager to show their talent, the businesses highlighted their unique products, and the community illustrated their passion for events and activities Downtown where they can have a say in the outcomes.”

The competition stemmed from the business community’s requests to utilize local talent in activating Downtown Grand Rapids over the holidays. Participating businesses extend from Grand Rapids’ West Side, to the Downtown’s center, to the Heartside neighborhood south of Fulton Street. Those interested in seeing the window displays are encouraged to visit Downtown over the holiday season.

“As first year participants we were unsure of how the window display would work in the salon. After meeting our student group and working with them to get the installation in, we were very excited for the competition to begin,” said Niki Kalvaitis, Manager at Cheeky Strut. “Our staff and clients were all very impressed with the installation and the staff really promoted voting. I think the installation added a fun, funky, holiday vibe to the salon and was a great kick-off to the holiday season. We are very proud of all of the students who participated and are so happy to have hosted such an amazing group.”