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Setting a classic winter scene

Echo Boutique wins Christmas Walk Window Decorating Contest

By Terri Castelaz 4 min read

IRON MOUNTAIN -- The glow from Echo Boutique's winter wonderland window caught the community's eye, as the business was voted winner in the 2023 Downtown Christmas Walk Window Decorating Contest.

The annual competition was hosted by the Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority in December as part of the Christmas Walk event. Once again, the First National Bank & Trust sponsored the contest, allowing the DDA to award two mini-grants to the winning businesses as determined by public vote. Voting for the 12 participating businesses was open Dec. 8 through Dec. 25.

As first-place winners, the resale shop received $500, while runner-up Dulce Nulla Gourmet Desserts got $250.

Boutique co-owners Ashley Maenpaa and Cassy Hendricks went with a classic winter theme for the shop at 408 S. Stephenson Ave. that allows them to keep the display up through the colder months.

The large windows are decorated with rows of different-sized white pine trees that are backlit so the silhouette of each evergreen

glows at night. Warm white twinkling lights above, along with snow-covered ground, also complete the display.

"Instead of focusing on a Christmas theme, we decided to go with more of just a winter look for everyone to enjoy longer," Maenpaa said. "We will create something new this spring."

Maenpaa said she came across the idea and showed Hendricks, who also loved it. After receiving assistance with the wood from Maenpaa's father, they went to work and had the display completed within a couple of days.

"Echo went from having small windows at their old location across from the stage, to a space that features long display windows that they utilized perfectly and were able to win," Iron Mountain DDA event coordinator Kenzie Williamsen said. "I love it."

The co-owners plan to participate again next season. "We will probably keep with the winter wonderland theme but expand on that," added Maenpaa.

Dulce Nulla Gourmet Desserts, 415 S Stephenson Ave. Suite 6, grabbed second place with a pastel pink, sweet exterior.

Shop windows featured a large green wreaths decorated with pastel ribbon and goodies that included candy, cupcakes, ice cream cones and even pink cooking utensils.

Owner Melissa Boyles also added two large cupcakes and a large pink bow to the door to greet her customers.

"She had a fun theme -- perfect for the bakery," Williamsen said. "It's great to see business owners getting creative."

"We offer our congratulations to this year's winners of the window decorating contest, Echo Boutique and Dulce Nulla, and look forward to all of the creative and fun festive decorations on display in the 2024 contest," said Mick Gayan, marketing director of First National Bank & Trust.

Williamsen notes several other downtown businesses also decorate for the holidays but choose not to take part in the contest.

"We want to thank all the businesses who participated in the window contest or any of our other events this year," Williamsen said. "In the last two months we really try to showcase our downtown businesses."

The DDA brought back the window decorating contest in 2018 in partnership with the annual Downtown Christmas Walk event after receiving a mini-grant. The contest's goal was to further beautify and light up the downtown during the dark winter months.

First National Bank & Trust will continue to work with the DDA as a presenting sponsor of the Christmas Walk, as well as host the community Christmas tree and lighting ceremony. "We are excited to collaborate with the DDA to further grow the event, as well as adding new partners to contribute to the success of this wonderful community event," Gayan said.

"We also thank First National Bank & Trust for making our mini-grants possible and their continued support over the year and the community for making our events a success," Williamsen said.

She added they hope to bring more features to next season's annual Christmas Walk event.

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