Holiday Salute Lights Up Downtown

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Stamford Downtown. The Second Annual Holiday Salute kicked off last week and everyone can enjoy the beauty of seven gorgeously decorated holiday displays designed by local florists and brightening up some familiar storefronts.

“It was a way to decorate our main street and get merchants involved — getting their storefronts looking great,” Jacqueline Wetenhall, Director Retail Development of Stamford Downtown Special Services District, told Patch. “The Stamford florists all came back this year and we have a few from Greenwich and Darien too.”

Each of the participating merchants was paired up with a florist or designer to create their vision. was paired with , with , with Sam Bridges Nursery & Greenhouses and The Stamford Garden Club, with the & The Shippan Point Garden Club, with McArdle’s Florist & Garden Center, with , and with Springdale Florist & . 

“I’m enamored with them all,” Wetenhall said. “The Avon Theatre did a Polar Express theme because they were planning a free showing of the movie.”

Wetenhall likes the florists to choose their canvas and from there, they work with the merchant to come up with their idea for a design. While the burden of creating a magnificent holiday display relies more on the florist’s expertise, the merchants are also involved in bringing their ideas to life.

“It’s definitely a collaboration — The Bridal Suite had a vision and McArdle’s weighed in and really brought in that Winter Wonderland look.”

Fernando Luis Alvarez Gallery was able to incorporate the kittens — the sort of mascot of their gallery — into their holiday display.

Through December 16, everyone can vote for their favorite display at Stamford Downtown’s website. The winning merchant and florist receive a $500 prize and all voters over 18 are eligible to win gift cards to the seven participating businesses.