The chamber of commerce is pleased to acknowledge the 10 holiday-themed shop windows judged by a professional artist, representatives of the four property owners' associations and of the Garden City Historical Society, to be the most beautifully decorated in the central business district for the year 2000 holiday season. The Chamber's Shop Window Competition, a tradition for the past 22 years, began following the "energy crunch" of the late '70s, to encourage renewed interest in decorating the business districts for the holiday season.

Windows are judged for the most holiday spirit, creativity, originality, but most of all - visual impact. The judges have reported that with so many beautiful and creative windows, it was no easy task, and that more windows than ever before - particularly on Seventh Street, went that extra mile this season.

Judged the best overall this year in the central business district was Pastula Real Estate which receives the "Toast of the Town" award. Among the top 10 windows (listed alphabetically) are: Annastasia Salon, Feldis Florist, Fennessy Realty, Garden City Florist, Garden City Properties, The Pear Tree, Seventh St. Stationery, S. L. Enterprises of New York, Inc., and Things & Stuff. Additionally, of the West End Shops on New Hyde Park Road, the law offices of Muscarella and DiRaimo, LLP was judged to have the most festively decorated window.

The chamber appreciates the efforts of the judges who found it difficult to choose 10 winners among so many beautifully decorated windows in the central business district. They were: Suzie Alvey, artist; Ani Robertson, president of the Garden City Historical Society; Salvatore Catania, representing the WPOA; Peter Negri, president of the CPOA; Richard Schrafel, president Estates POA; and Jon Segerdahl, president EPOA. Thanks go also to the Seventh Street Cafe for hosting while the judges deliberated. The chamber also commends the village restaurants for outstanding displays.

The chamber encourages residents to take a stroll down the avenue and up Seventh Street to admire the efforts of the business community to enhance both the shopping experience and holiday spirit in the Village of Garden City.