Last night, several of the DC Main Streets came together to celebrate DC Holiday Lights, a citywide intiative to encourage residents and visitors to shop small this holiday season. Participating small and local businesses adorned their storefronts with holiday displays, earning a chance for recognition in several award categories. I was a judge for businesses in The Parks Main Street (TPMS) corridors in Riggs Park and Manor Park, along with four other judges: Joseph Gibbs, Lamond-Riggs resident and chair of the TPMS design committee; Ray Crawford, Manor Park resident and member of the TPMS design committee; Cam, Ray’s son and a student at Shepherd Elementary School; and Zara, Riggs Park resident and student at LaSalle-Backus Education Campus.

The virtual awards ceremony was a fun, festive affair. Local musician Carley Harvey provided entertainment prior to the start of the official ceremony. Kristi Whitfield, Director of the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development, and Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, Chair of the Committee on Business and Economic Development, gave short remarks. Then each participating Main Street took turns announcing their award winners. The Parks Main Street Executive Director Edwin Washington introduced our two youth judges, Zara and Cam, who did a great job enthusiastically presenting the TPMS winners. Zara and Cam received lots of kudos from the other Main Street directors and attendees.

The Parks Main Street Holiday Lights winners are listed below.

Best Use of Merchandise:  Lovely Lady Boutique

Best Window Display:  Troka Insurance

Most Colorful:  Hellbender Brewing Company

Best of Show – Judges’ Choice & Also People’s Choice: The Davis Center

Culture Coffee Too also had one of my favorite displays. All of the windows are beautifully and elegantly lit and adorned with holiday bows, and a coffee-drinking Santa Claus door display greets visitors.

There is still time to safely check out the holiday lights in each of the participating Main Streets and to participate in the citywide scavenger hunt for a chance to win prizes. There are a couple of clues right here in the neighborhood. The scavenger hunt ends on December 31.

Thanks to all of the participating businesses for brightening the final weeks of 2020.