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Window Display Contest

Monday, September 08, 2025 5:00PM - Sunday, September 14, 2025 11:00PM

Murphysboro businesses have the opportunity to show their Apple Festival spirit with our Window Display Contest. Participants decorate displays to reflect the year's theme.

Be sure to take time during the Apple Festival to visit participating businesses to admire their hard work! The names and addresses of participants will be listed below.

Indoor Window Displays

Over the years, we've seen some very creative and beautiful window displays. Do you think you can make your window memorable? The Indoor Window Display Contest is only open to businesses with indoor displays without any outside decorations. The contest is free to enter.

WHO CAN ENTER THE WINDOW DISPLAY CONTEST:
Murphysboro businesses only with indoor-only window displays

INDOOR WINDOW DISPLAY PRIZES:
1st Place:
Trophy & $100 prize (Photo with Captain)
2nd Place: Trophy & $50 prize
3rd Place: Trophy & $30 prize
4th Place: Trophy & $20 prize
5th Place: Trophy & $20 prize

Window entries will be judged on the following 11 categories: (Updated for 2025)

  • Use of Theme (1-10 points): How well is the theme demonstrated?
  • Originality (1-10 points): How well are imagination, clarity and artistry demonstrated?
  • Balance and Composition (1-10 points): Does the window have overall balance & flow of colors & elements?
  • Eye Appeal (1-10 points): Is the window impressive and striking?
  • Use of Color (1-10 points): Does the window have a complementary or contrasting color scheme?
  • Craftsmanship (1-10 points): Is good workmanship evident?
  • Use of Apples (1-10 points): Quality and best use of apples are demonstrated.
  • Animation (1-5 points): Is motion used to accentuate the design?
  • Sound (1-5 points): Does the sound add to the overal effectiveness of the window?
  • Unique Qualities (1-10 points): Does the display have humorous, unique, or educational qualities?
  • Judges Overall Opinion (1-10 points):


2024 Window Display Contest

  1. SIH/St. Joseph Memorial Hospital
    2 South Hospital Drive
  2. White House Salon
    1330 Walnut Street
  3. Hometown Pride Gifts & Sweets
    1334 Walnut Street
  4. Handmade Homestead LLC
    1300 Walnut Street
  5. Balloonology!
    1404 Walnut Street
  • Rural King
    550 East Industrial Park Road
  • Muddy Roots Collective
    1339 Walnut Street
  • Think Vintage!
    1338 Walnut Street
  • Murphy-Wall State Bank & Trust Co
    105 North Williams Street
  • Walmart
    6495 Country Club Road
  • D&D Hemp Store
    1337 Walnut Street
  • The First Bank & Trust Co. of Murphysboro
    1403 Walnut Street
  • ReFind
    1108 Walnut Street
  • Sallie Logan Public Library
    1808 Walnut Street
  • First Mid Bank & Trust
    1709 Walnut Street
  • Murphysboro Abstract
    1021 Chestnut Street
Brought to you by

"APPLE-Y EVER AFTER"

WHEN:
Displays - Monday through Sunday
Judging Begins - Monday, September 8 at 5pm
Awards - Announced at Opening Ceremony,
Wednesday, September 10 at 5:15pm

WHERE:
Displays - Murphysboro Business Storefronts
Awards - Appletime Stage

EVENT CHAIR: Christine DeShazo


DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM HERE

Overall Information & Rules

  1. All decorating shall be done by employees or the business owner
  2. Applicants are limited to one contest entry per address (Multiple windows are allowed but will be judged as one entry)
  3. Entries must be within 1 mile of city limits
  4. Decorations must remain intact throughout the entire week of the Apple Festival
  5. Judging will be done from outside unless the display is not completely visible through the window or the owner requests judging be done from inside (please mark on the application if requested!)
  6. All media used in displays must be family-friendly
  7. Lighted displays can be judged at dusk (please mark on the application if requested!)
  8. Participants agree to have their business name and address listed
  9. Participants agree to have photos of their displays used by the Murphysboro Apple Festival
  10. Registration deadline is September 3, 2025
  11. All decisions are final

For more information or questions regarding the Window Display Contest, please contact the Murphysboro Apple Festival Office.
Email: murphysboroapplefestival@gmail.com
Phone: 618.684.3200

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