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By Carey Reeder | Staff Writer

Businesses across Chilton County displayed their fall spirit by participating in the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce’s fall decorating contest. Businesses decorated their store fronts with fall-themed decorations, and the winners were chosen from voting by the residents of Chilton County.

“I think it went great, and we had a lot of participants and everyone was really excited to be a part of it and feel like a part of the community,” Rachel Martin, executive director of the Chilton Chamber, said.

The winners of the contest were announced at the Clanton Trick or Treat the Streets on Oct. 31. First Bank of Alabama won the Clanton contest, and Garrison Farm & Home Center won the Thorsby contest. Olde Town Scoops of Jemison took home that contest, and Cahaba Medical Care won the Maplesville contest.

Businesses had to send in photos of their decorations to the Chamber and post the photos of their business Facebook page. The contest ran through the entire month of October, so all entries had to be in by Sept. 30. One photo per business was used for voting, and voting began on Oct. 24.

The Chamber held its decorating contest for the Peach Festival in June and had businesses paint Peach-themed murals on their windows.

“We wanted people when they came into town to know that peaches are our thing,” Martin said. “We wanted everyone to feel that sense of community and everyone working together, and that is why we reached out and tried to get participation from all the municipalities. Everyone was eager to get on board with it.”

Now two contests into the movement, the Chamber has seen participation in the contests across the county.

The Chamber is having a Christmas decorating contest as well, and businesses can start decorating now. Martin said the Chamber will release the details for the contest within the next few weeks.