The Art School of Peterborough has earned the title of first place for the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) annual Downtown Holiday Window Contest announced on Wednesday.

This year’s theme was ‘Winter Wonderland’ that was launched on Nov. 14 in conjunction with DBIA’s Holiday Shopping Passports.

Raine Knudsen, The Art School of Peterborough receptionist released the following statement after being declared the winner:

"The Art School of Peterborough is humbled to win 1st place in the 2022 Holiday Window Contest! Thank you so much to everyone who has shown their support; to our students, our instructors and coworkers, our neighbours, and our local Peterborough community.

This year, we were inspired to create a woodland scene, with our favourite lovable forest creatures all joyfully hand-drawn with care. Just like a snowflake, the Peterborough community is extraordinary in every way, you are one of a kind, a fantastic individual, an exceptional find.

In celebration of the season, all visitors who happen to stop by the Art School will be treated to a hand-made ceramic snowflake ornament crafted by our talented art students.

Thanks Peterborough, for all the support and love you’ve shown us, and so many other local businesses and non-profits this holiday season. The Art School wishes everyone a bright and beautiful winter holiday and happy new year!”

This year’s winners are:

1st place — The Art School of Peterborough, 174A Charlotte St.
2nd Place — Fork It, 288 Charlotte St.
3rd Place — The Capital PTBO 370 George St.

The top three winners received $1,000, $500 and $300 for their winning windows. Locals voted online for their top three holiday window displays throughout the contest period from Nov. 14 to Dec. 5.

“We love seeing our shop owners put their own creative spin on the holidays with our Holiday Window Contest. It really sets the tone of the season and brings a lot of charm into our historic downtown shopping district,” said Terry Guiel, DBIA executive director. “It’s incredible to see the community support our small businesses throughout the competition. This season we saw a record-breaking number of votes through our online voting portal with over 3000 votes cast.”

To view this year's window display entries, locals can go online to theBoro.ca