The annual contest was hosted by the Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority in December, as part of the Christmas Walk event. This year, First National Bank & Trust was a sponsor of the contest, allowing the DDA to award three mini-grants to the winning businesses as determined by public vote. First place received $400, second $250 and third $100.

Kenneth James Salon owner Teresa Cornelia went with a classic theme featuring stained glass created by salon front desk employee William Reichle, owner and artist of Hypmatizarism Glass.

“These are such beautiful pieces, we really wanted to highlight them,” Cornelia said. “It was great to see all the businesses lit up for the holidays.”

Second place went to Mully & Mo’s (Hallmark), 427 S. Stephenson Ave., with her uplifting winter theme. The window features a long paper scroll with the lines from The Chronicles of Narnia book series.

Second place winner was Mully & Mo’s (Hallmark store). Shown is owner Sammantha Swanson DeJesus, right, with DDA Program Director Amber Pipp. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

“We wanted to focus on something that was hopeful, especially during this time,” owner Sammantha Swanson DeJesus said. “We plan to keep the display up until February.”

Split Endz, 426 S. Stephenson Ave., took third with artwork of the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who and dog Max.

Jade Noir Tattoo Studio artists Kylie Remer and Nicky Noir were more than happy to do the piece for salon co-owners, Denise Maule and Diane Smith. The artists said it only took them a day to design and paint the windows.

The DDA’s contest goal was to further beautify and light up the downtown during the dark winter months.

“All the businesses put in so much effort,” said Amber Pipp, DDA program director. “It really made the downtown extra beautiful.”

Third place winner was Split Endz Salon. From left are Jade Noir Tattoo artist Kylie Remer and Nicky Noir, who did the artwork. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

The third-annual contest drew 14 participants, with the mini-grants being an incentive to take part. The grants will be used to reimburse window decorating expenses or to be put toward decor for future use.

“Thank you to every single business who participated in the contest this year,” Pipp said. “These windows truly make a huge impact on downtown and helped bring the community together during a very challenging time.”

The DDA hopes to continue the contest in the future as part of the Downtown Christmas Walk event.