In preparation for the annual show on October 27, eight businesses dressed their windows to suit the 130^th anniversary theme of ‘history and animals’.

Adjudicated by town mayor Neil Smith with his wife Bronwen, and originally designed by Julie Shepherd, this was the third year of the shopfront contest.

HB Accounting’s Leanne Jacobs accepted the top prize at the showgirl dinner on Saturday October 13.

Second prize was taken by Gail Commens on behalf of Annie’s Place, while the third place went to Kaye Vincent of Country Meadows.

Liz Cowled of Commins Hendriks received both the highly commended and people’s choice awards.

“While some displays scored well in the content and appeal areas, they may have lost points because of omissions in the areas of history or animals.”

“Choosing between [the] highly commended, third and second places was difficult,” he said.

“Often it is difficult to decide on a winner. In this case, it was an easy choice.

The display was by far and away the best, covering the criteria comprehensively and in such a way as to be interesting and engaging for a wide audience,” Mayor Smith conveyed through his written assessment.