Mayor Walsh celebrates winners of the annual 'Deck the Windows' contest

First prize went to Vin Gately, the owner of West Roxbury’s Mangia Neapolitan Pizzeria & Yogoteria, with second place honors awarded to Tom Devlin, owner of Brighton’s Devlin’s Restaurant, and third place was awarded to Terry Fitzgerald, co-owner of Roslindale’s Centre Cuts Salon & Spa.  “Deck the Windows” is the City’s annual storefront decorating competition among Boston’s 20 Boston Main Streets districts.  This year, more than 300 small businesses competed.

“I congratulate the winners and all the businesses that participated in this year’s ‘Deck the Windows’ contest and brightened their windows and neighborhoods to support our local businesses," said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "This year, we're reminding all Boston residents to shop locally. Our Main Street Districts offer some of the most unique gifts and dining options in the City of Boston."

The three-week-long “Deck the Windows” contest began on November 29th, and garnered the attention of more than 3,000 voters during the public voting period.  Storefronts from East Boston to Hyde Park were enlivened by glistening lights, bight stars, glittering snowflakes, hanging ornaments, lit Christmas trees, menorahs, and various other decorations, bringing holiday cheer to the Boston Main Street Districts across the city. 

The contest is part of Mayor Walsh’s Holiday Challenge, a campaign encouraging residents to support Main Streets and other local commercial districts during the 2014 holiday season. Participants in the Mayor’s “Five on Main” Challenge pledged to support local business five times during the holiday season, either by purchasing gifts, dining, or participating in local holiday events in Main Streets districts.

The evening celebration took place at West Roxbury’s Mangia Neapolitan Pizzeria & Yogoteria, a new pizza shop that serves a wide range Neapolitan thin wheat crust pizzas with natural and locally grown ingredients and toppings.  The winning window featured a Christmas tree made out of pizza boxes, a large snowman, wrapped gifts and festive holiday lights that captured the attention of shoppers and online voters. 

“I want to thank General Manager Chris Silvia and his staff for creating such a beautiful holiday window display,” said owner Vin Gately.  “To win such a prestigious competition over more than 300 businesses entries throughout the City is very humbling considering our store just opened 6 months ago.”