Holiday windows contest set in Riverhead

Now filled with “for rent” and “vote for” signs, the empty store windows in downtown Riverhead will soon be taking on a more festive look, as East End Arts begins its holiday window decorating contest.

Last year, 24 store windows were decorated by artists, store owners and clubs; the Riverhead Middle School Science Club won the best window award.

The contest is open to anyone who brings a design sketch and $25 fee to the East End Arts gallery at 133 East Main St. Application forms are available online at eastendarts.org.

All decoration themes should be suitable for family viewing, since the windows will be facing Main Street traffic for more than a month.

Decoration will be done over four days, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 3, and the best window will be selected by a public vote. Anyone can cast a ballot at the East End Arts gallery through Dec. 22, and voters must register to ensure people can only vote one time, East End Arts officials said.

The window voting is timed so that people who go to the gallery can see its holiday exhibits. The best window gets a $500 prize.