SUNNYSIDE — Local businesses got into the holiday spirit this year, battling it out for the title of best seasonal window display in the neighborhood.
The Sunnyside Thrift Shop took the top prize in the Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District's second annual holiday window photo contest, decking out its storefront at 45-14 Greenpoint Ave. with a fully decorated tree, lights, garlands and even animated caroler dolls.
"We hoped to encourage Sunnyside stores to create a festive holiday shopping environment," BID director Rachel Thieme said in a statement Tuesday announcing the contest's winners.
"The holiday window contest was a fun way to engage businesses and local residents to get into the ‘shop local’ holiday spirit," she said.
Residents were asked to submit photos of their favorite store window displays to the BID's Facebook page, where locals could then vote on their favorites. More than 1,100 votes were cast for nine businesses, with the Sunnyside Thrift Shop taking the top $300 prize.
The store's manager, Ayman Kasem, said the competition was good for business.
"I saw more people coming in to look at our windows because of the contest," he said in a press release.
Sunnyside Florist at 40-05 Queens Blvd. took second place, while Pure Spa & Salon at 40-15 Queens Blvd. won the third place prize.
